B    3   320 


054 


BIOLOGY 
LIBRARY 


T 

Jfwib  of  Jjla$ter»t  J}cwi$ufu«ink 


VOL.    I. 


LIFE-HISTORIES 


THOMAS    G.    GENTRY, 


MEMBER  OF  THE  ACADEMY  OF  NATURAL  SCIENCES   OF  PHILADELPHIA,    AND  OF 
THE  CANADIAN   ENTOMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY  OF  TORONTO. 


IN   TWO   VOLUMES.      VOL.   I 

COPYRIGHT,  1876,  BY  Tnps.  G.  GENTRY. 


PHILADELPHIA  : 

PUBLISHED    BY    THE    AUTHOR. 

1870. 


H.   SMITH,   IMUNTKR, 

Germnntown^  Vhiltid'a,  Pa. 


BIOLOGY 

LIBRARY 

0 


TO  MY  WIFE, 


THIS      "V  O  Xi  TJ  3VC  IE 


s  m0st 


BY  HER  HUSBAND, 


TEE    A-TJTHOR. 


382684 


Close  by  the  busy  haunts  of  man, 
Within  the  shelf  ring  leaves 
Of  some  tall  pear-tree,  low  down 
Where  thorny  branchlets  meet, 
The  King-bird  builds  her  cosy  nest; 
Without,  of  sticks  and  grasses  coarse 
And  blossomed  weeds  of  divers  kinds 
Variously  intermingled, 
And  in  the  neatest  style  arranged ; 
Within,  of  feathers  soft,  and  down, 
The  cast-off  plumes  of  distant  kin. 
Here  she  rears  her  tender  offspring  . 
And  teaches  them  the  mysteries 
Of  bi rd-1  ife.     Woe  to  the  w  retch 
In  feathered  dress  who  dares  invade 
The  realm  wherein  she  sways  the  rod 
And  sceptre! 

GENTRY. 


PREFACE. 


Since  so  much  has  been  written  upon  the  sub- 
ject of  American  ornithology,  it  becomes  the 
author  to  state  succinctly  the  reasons  which  have 
prompted  him  to  repeat  observations  on  supposed 
well-known  species.  The  lack  of  anything  like 
satisfactory  information  upon  the  food  and  breed- 
ing habits  of  many  of  the  birds  of  Eastern  Penn- 
sylvania, as  well  as  the  desire  to  reconcile  if  pos- 
sible, the  contradictory  statements  of  many  authors, 
abundantly  justify  in  his  opinion,  additional  investi- 
gation. It  is  also  well  to  record  these  habits  again, 
because  of  the  Value*  of  testimony  to  uniformity  or 
change  of  habits  in  birds,  to  questions  of  meta- 
physics. The'  value  of  exact  knowledge  of 
food  to  the  development  of  the  law  of  natural 
selection,  as  well  as  to  agriculturists,  is  sufficiently 
obvious. 

The  facts  contained  in  this  work  are  the  results 
of  observations  carried  through  a  period  of  six 
years,  and  have  been  derived  from  observations 
in  the  field,  and  careful  and  elaborate  examina- 
tions in  the  studio.  Upwards  of  five  hundred 


Xll  PREFACE. 

nests  have  been  carefully  studied  as  to  elements  of 
composition  and  periods  of  building;  and  many 
pairs  of  the  species  whose  habits'  are  herein  des- 
cribed, have  been  closely  and  diligently  watched, 
with  the  view  of  determining  the  details  of  incu- 
bation, and  the  early  history  of  the  young.  The 
various  articles  which  contribute  to  their  main- 
tenance have  been  partially  derived  from  repeated 
observations  upon  the  same  species  in  their 
natural  haunts,  and  elsewhere;  but  mainly  from 
examinations  of  the  stomachs  of  more  than  seven 
hundred  birds. 

A  brief  synopsis  of  the  leading  items  of  interest 
embraced  within  its  scope,  cannot  be  amiss. 
Herein  are  found  numerous  facts  which  are  un- 
mentioned  in  the  latest  American  work  on  birds, 
besides  corroborations  of  important  statements  of 
Audubon  and  Wilson  which  have  been  entirely 
ignored  by  its  authors.  In  addition  to  which,  a  vast 
amount  of  knowledge  which  has  not  hitherto  been 
published,  and  which  may  be  conveniently  ar- 
ranged under  the  following  heads:— 

1.  Descriptions  of  nests  which  show   marked 
deviations  from  normal  structures,  and  the  causes 
which  have  probably  conduced  to  the  variations. 

2.  Labor  of  nidification  whether  performed  by 
the  male  and  female  separately,  or  conjointly. 


PREFACE.  Xlll 

3.  Duration  of  nest-building  and  also  of  oviposi- 
tiori,  and  whether  the  eggs  are  laid  on  successive, 
or  alternate  days. 

4.  Periods   of    incubation    and    duties    thereof, 
whether  accomplished  by  the  female  exclusively, 
or  with  the  assistance  of  the  male. 

5.  Age  of  the  young  on  quitting  the  nest,  and 
the  further  time    which    elapses  before  they  are 
fitted  for  seif-maintenance. 

6.  Character  of  the  sexes  both  before  and  after 
incubation,  particularly  the  male. 

7.  Insects,  seeds,  and  berries  which  constitute 
their  bill  of  fare. 

In  the  systematic  portion  of  the  work,  the  author 
has  rigidly  adhered  to  the  arrangement  given  by 
Dr.  Elliott  Coues  in  his  "Key  to- North  American 
Birds."  Where,  in  his  delineation  of  the  habits  of 
species  which  stop  but  a  short  time  from  their 
more  northern  migration,  he  has  been  necessita- 
ted to  borrow  from  others,  credit  has  been  duly 
awarded.  Before  concluding  this  brief  and  im- 
perfect introduction,  he  desires  to  acknowledge  his 
obligations  to  Prof.  E.  D.  Cope  for  kindly  perusing 
most  of  the  manuscript  and  eliminating  extraneous 
and  useless  matter. 

It  is  the  desire  of  the  author  that  this  volume 
may  receive  a  cordial  welcome, and  be  instrumental 


XIV  PREFACE. 

in  awakening  new  life  and  vigor  in  this  much 
slighted  department  of  ornithology.  The  second 
volume  of  this  work  will  in  all  probability  be  ready 
for  the  press  during  the  coming  summer. 

THOS.  G.  GENTRY. 

Febi'ii  try  28th, 


CONTENTS. 


PREFACE,        .......  xi 

Subclass  I.     AYES  AERE.E,  of  Insessores,        .  .'  .1 

Order  PASSERES.     Perehers  proper,  .  .  .  1 

Suborder  OSCTNEK.     Singing  Birds,         .  .  .2 

Family  TUIIUID.E.     Thrushes,          ....  3 

Subfamily  TURDJNJS,      ....  .      3 

Subfamily  MIMING,  .....  26 

Family  SAXICOLLLLE.     Stone-chats  and  Blue  Birds,     .  .      42 

Family  SYLYIID.E.     Sylvias,  ....  51 

Subfamily  UEGULIN^E,    .  .  .  .51 

Family  PARID^E.     Titmice,  .  .  .  .  .  57 

Subfamily  PAIUN.E,        .  .  .  .  .58 

Family  SITTID.E.     Nuthatches,        ....  05 

Family  CEIITIHIDJE.     Creepers,  .  .  .  .69 

Subfamily  CERTHIIN^E,         ....  70 

Family  TROGLODYTIDJE.     Wrens,          .  .  .  .      To 

Family  SYLVICOLIDJK.     American  Warblers,  .  .  1)0 

Subfamily  SYLYICOLIN.E,  .  .  .  .      Ul 

Subfamily  ICTERIIN j-;,          .  .  .  .  !  (JO 

Subfamily  SETOPIIAGIJS'.E,          ....      104 

Family  TANAGBID^K.     Tanagers,     ....  177 

Family  ![IRUNDIKID.I:.     Swallows,        ....      183 

Family  &MPBLIDJB.     Chatterers,     ....  204 

Subfamily  AMFELIN^E,    .....      x;o5 

Family  VIKEO^ID/^.     Yireos,  ....  211 

Family  LAXIIDJJ.     Shrikes.        .  .  ...  .      ^'.}'.\ 

Subfamily  LAKIIN.I-:,  ....  233 

Family  FBINGILLID^-:.     I'iuchos,  tv:c.,  ....      240 

Family  ICTEBID^E.    American  Starlings,    .  .  .  351 

Subfamily  AGEL.HIN.E,  .....      351 

Subfamily  ICTEBINJE,  .  .  .  .  368 

Subfamily  QUISCALIN.T;,  ....      383 

Important  Corrections,          .....  395 

Index,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .396 


ERRATA. 


For  examples  read  examples,  line  5,  page  30. 

knowelcdgc  read  knowledge,  line  2  from  bottom,  page-  50. 
occasionably  read  occasionally,  line  2,  page  31. 
subsistence  read  subsistence,  line  6,  page  56. 
diverse  read  divers,  line  8  from  bottom,  page  72. 

acilities  read  facilities,  last  line,  page  92;  into  read  OicA,  line  18,  paare  yy. 
unmistakeable  read  unmistakable,  line  13,  page  100. 
aproxima-ting  read  approximating,  line  4,  page  136. 

noticable  read  noticeable,  line  6,  page  142-  /or;n  read/*  o?;i,  I  in?;  2o,  page  150. 
sotthern  read  southern,  line  16  page,  167. 
trussock  read  tussock,  line  20,  page  171. 
requsite  read  requisite,  line  11,  page  193. 

worought  read  wrought , line  15,  page  200;  /rutty  read  frwty,  line  21.  page  200. 
hessitatc  read  hesitate,  line  23,  page  200. 

meteorlogical  read  meteorological,  line  22,  page  202.  and  line  14.  pa?.e  L'57. 
mosfj'Mifos  read  mosquitoes,  line  29,  page  202. 

pendant  read  pendent,  line  17,  page  213;  »sff<  read  nt  ;•?;/,  lirr:  13.  pug-  221 
jorgeone  read  foregone,  line  13,  page  236. 
rctireinrj  read  retiring,  line  5,  page  251. 
Philadelphia  read  Philadelphia,  line  llj  page  251. 

Fulato  read  Nulnto,  pages  255  and  298;   /JM/JC  read  puptc,  pa^es  255  and  033. 
Artie  read  Jreiic,  page  270,  Allan  read  Allen,  pages  278  and  334. 
whiteish  read  whitish,  line  16,  page  308;  axy  read  flsfty,  line  4,  page  345, 
Omit  3Ir.  line  8,  page  386. 


LIFE-HISTORIES 

OF 

BIRDS 

OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA. 

CHAPTER     I . 

Subclass  I.     Aves  Aereae,  or  Insessores. 
Aerial  (Birds }  or  (Perchers, 

OF  the  three  primary  divisions  constituting  the 
class  Aves,  the  above  ranks  as  first  in  importance 
and  highest  in  position,  and  embraces  all  existing 
species  down  to  the  Galling  or  gallinaceous  birds. 
Without  entering  into  a  full  definition  of  its  ex- 
ternal characters,  suffice  it  to  say,  that  with  rare 
exceptions,  the  toes  occupy  the  same  plane  and 
touch  the  same  support  throughout,  thus  adapting 
them  for  grasping  or  perching.  The  members  of 
this  extensive  group  are  now  usually  placed  in  five 
orders  of  which  the  first  is  the 

Order  Passeres.  (Perchers  proper. 
The  low  insertion  of  the  hind  toe  and  its  length; 
its  great  power  of  opposibility  to  the  front  toes, 
and  the  superior  mobility  of  the  same  which  is 
secured  by  the  separation  of  its  principal  muscle, 
from  that  that  flexes  the  other  toes  collectively, 
perfectly  adapt  the  feet  for  grasping.  The  hind 
toe  is  ever  present  and  never  directed  anteriorly 
or  laterally.  The  feet  are  never  zygodactyle,  syn- 

I  A 


LIFE- HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

dactyle,  nor  semipalmate,  although  the  anterior  toes 
for  a  part  or  the  entire  length  of  the  basal  joints, 
are  ordinarily  immovably  joined  to  each  other.  For 
further  ordinal  characters  our  readers  should  ex- 
amine some  standard  work  upon  classification. 

The  species  belonging  to  the  above  order  are 
the  typical  Insessores,  and  represent  the  highest 
grade  of  developmental  structure,  as  well  as  the 
most  complex,  of  the  class.  They  possess  high 
physical  irritability,  the  result  of  a  rapid  respiration 
and  circulation ;  of  all  birds  they  consume  the  most 
oxygen  and  live  the  fastest. 

The  (Passeres  constituting  the  Insessores  proper 
of  most  ornithologists,  comprehending  the  great 
majority  of  birds,  are  separable  into  two  groups 
ordinarily  designated  suborders,  from  the  structure 
of  the  inferior  larynx;  in  one,  this  organ  is  a  com- 
plicated muscular  vocal  apparatus;  while  in  the 
other,  it  is  less  developed,  rudimentary  or  lacking. 

Suborder  Oscines.     Singing  (Birds. 

The  above  constitutes  the  higher  of  the  two  sub- 
orders previously  referred  to;  comprising  species 
which  possess  a  more  or  less  complicated  vocal 
apparatus,  consisting  of  five  sets  of  muscles;  but 
many  of  them  are  unable  to  sing.  Ornithologists 
are  not  agreed  which  of  the  numerous  Oscine 
families,  should  occupy  the  head  of  the  series;  but 
Dr.  Coues  inclines  to  the  belief  that  some  member 
of  the  oscine  family  with  the  possession  of  nine 
primaries^-as  the  finches  or  tanagers — will  eventu- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  3 

ally  assume  the  leading  position.     Here  we  will 
follow  usage. 

Family  Turdidae.     Thrushes. 

The  nostrils  are  nearly  or  quite  oval,  but  un- 
covered by  feathers.  In  all  our  genera,  there  ex- 
ist bristles  about  the  rictus  and  base  of  superior 
mandible.  The  toes  are  deeply  cleft;  the  inner 
one  nearly  to  its  base,  and  the  outer  to  the  ex- 
tremity of  its  basal  joint.  There  are  twelve  caudal 
feathers,  ten  primaries,  of  which  the  first  is 
considerably  abbreviated  or  spurious,  and  the 
second  shorter  than  the  fourth.  The  two  subfami- 
lies of  our  fauna  are  rigidly  defined  by  the  character 
of  the  tarsus. 

Subfamily  Turdinae.  Typical  Thrushes. 
The  Typical  Thrushes  are  easily  distinguished 
in  the  adult  condition  by  the  continuous  plate, 
formed  by  fusion  of  all  the  scutella,  except -some  two 
or  three  just  above  the  toes  which  envelop  the  tar- 
sus. Upwards  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  species  are 
ordinarily  assigned  to  this  subfamily,  principally 
referable  to  the  genus  Turdus  with  its  subgenera. 
They  are  nearly  cosmopolitan,  and  attain  a  con- 
siderable development  in  subtropical  America 
where  the  subfamily  is  represented  by  forms  in- 
timately related  to  the  Turdus  proper.  More 
aberrant  types  of  different  genera  are  found  in  the 
old  world.  In  the  United  States  we  have  but  one 
genus,  to  which  the  Robin  belongs,  and  which  em- 
braces several  common  and  familiar  species.  They 


4  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

are  migratory  and  generally  caused  over  the 
woodland  regions  of  our  country;  insectivorous, 
but  like  many  other  insect-feeding  birds,  feed  con- 
siderably upon  berries  and  such  like.  Although 
not  strictly  gregarious,  some,  the  robin  for  exam- 
ple, collect  in  troops  during  feeding,  or  migrate  in 
companies.  They  are  all  vocal,  and  some  exquisitely 
melodious,  as  the  wood-thrush. 

Turdus  migratorius.     Linn. 

Scarcely  any  of  our  ordinary  species  is  so  abun- 
dant in  Eastern  Pennsylvania  as  the  Robin,  which 
is  the  subject  of  the  present  sketch.  Within  a  circle 
of  country  scarcely  exceeding  one  half-mile  in 
diameter,  sixty  families  have  been  frequently  ob- 
served. In  one  particular  instance,  at  least  six 
occupied  nests  were  noticed  upon  an  acre  of  ground, 
besides  a  few  of  the  cat  bird,  wood-thrush,  song 
and  tree  sparrows,  making  fifteen  in  all.  In  the 
month  of  February  small  flocks  of  a  dozen  and 
even  more  have  been  observed  on  open  grounds, 
flying  from  tree  to  tree,  doubtless  the  scenes  of 
past  associations.  In  the  small  valleys  among  the 
hills  of  the  romantic  Wissahickon,  where  the  pier- 
cing winds  and  drifting  snows  of  winter  do  scarcely 
visit,  many  of  these  birds  discover  comfortable 
shelter.  We  venture  this  opinion  for  the  following 
reason:  On  certain  warm  days  in  February,  which 
remind  us  of  jhe  genial  days  of  April,  small  flocks 
have  often  been  seen  by  the  author  in  such  situa- 
tions. These  could  hardly  have  migrated  from 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  5 

more  southern  latitudes,  for  the  obvious  reason 
that  the  three  or  four  days  preceding  their  obser- 
vance indicated  a  low  degree  of  temperature;  but 
on  the  supposition  that  they  were  birds  which  had 
been  left  behind  in  the  autumn,  when  their  breth- 
ren had  taken  up  their  southward-bound  journey 
for  pleasanter  climes,  their  occurrence  need  not 
excite  comment  or  surprise.  According  to  Dr. 
Brewer  many  of  this  species  are  permanent  resi- 
dents in  various  parts  of  the  country. 

Nidification  commences  occasionally  during  the 
middle  of  March,  often  when  there  is  snow  upon 
the  ground,  and  days  before  the  trees  have  donned 
their  foliage.  Ordinarily,  building  operations  are 
entered  into  with  considerable  vigor  about  the 
first  of  April ;  and  by  the  tenth  of  the  month  every- 
thing is  in  readiness  for  oviposition.  A  pair  of 
birds  will  usually  construct  a  nest  in  from  three  to 
seven  days,  if  working  under  the  most  favorable 
auspices.  Two  or  three  days  elapse  however 
before  oviposition  commences;  the  birds  mean- 
while being  engaged  in  various  manoeuvres  as  if 
felicitating  each  other  on  the  successful  accomplish- 
ment of  their  task.  Ordinarily  the  nest  is  placed 
upon  the  stout  limb  of  an  apple-tree.  In  the  selec- 
tion of  a  site  some  birds  manifest  little  judgment  so 
to  speak.  Before  us  is  a  nest  which  was  found 
in  Northumberland  County,  Pennsylvaina,  built  in 
the  hole  of  an  upright  post.  In  contour  it  is  nearly 
elliptical. 

Last   spring,  our  attention  was  directed  to  a 


O  LIFE-HISTORIES  ,OF   BIRDS 

r 

nest  which  had  been  built  upon  a  mass  of  tangled 
grasses  and  roots  that  had  accidentally  lodged 
within  the  angle  formed  by  two  branches  of  a 
grape-vine.  Again,  as  if  to  show  their  confidence 
in  man,  a  pair  had  selected  for  the  site  of  a  nest, 
a  small  vine  which  had  been  trained  against  the 
side  of  a  door  which  commanded  the  entrance  to 
an  occupied  dwelling.  Still  more  anomalous  situ- 
ations have  fallen  under  our  observation.  A 
nest  was  discovered  upon  the  ledge  of  a  window 
of  an  occupied  dwelling,  which  was  carefully  shel- 
tered from  the  weather  by  projecting  eaves  of 
considerable  depth;  and,  lastly,  another  was  found 
upon  the  horizontal  timber  which  supports  the 
rafters  of  an  outhouse;  a  situation  that  afforded 
the  necessary  shelter  and  concealment. 

The  typical  nest  is  composed  of  a  base  of  straw, 
leaves,  grasses,  mosses,  roots,  etc.,  upon  which  a 
cup-shaped  fabric  of  clay  or  mud  is  built ;  the  in- 
terior is  lined  with  line  roots  and  grasses. 

In  the  last  two  nests  referred  to,  the  cup-shaped 
fabric  is  an  unnoticeable  feature.  The  bottoms 
are  provided  with  a  moderately  thick  layer  of  mud, 
so  that  they  might  rigidly  adhere  to  the  smoothened 
surfaces  upon  which  the)'  reposed.  A  similar  layer 
of  clay  has  been  frequently  noticed  in  the  nests  of 
the  Wood  Robin,  the  Turd  us  mustelinus  of  Gmelin. 
That  compactness  of  structure  which  is  so  emi- 
nently Characteristic  of  the  normal  form  was  lack- 
ing. This  is  readily  accounted  for.  In  unexposed 
situations  there  seems  to  be  no  necessity  for  that 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  7 

binding  of  materials  together,  which  open  places 
would  seem  to  require  ;  consequently,  the  mud  or 
clay  which  ordinarily  constitutes  the  rim  of  a  typi- 
cal nest  and  serves  to  join  the  inner  and  outer 
fabrics  more  intimately  together,  is  entirely  dis- 
pensed with.  By  an  intelligent  selection  of  locality 
the  birds  have  saved  considerable  time  and  labor, 
and-  also  have  constructed  their  nest  none  the 
less  tastefully  and  symmetrically. 

Many  nests  of  the  Robin  frequently  betray  un- 
mistakable resemblances  to  those  of  a  closely  allied 
species,  the  mustelinus  of  Gmelin.  These  latter 
are  undoubtedly  the  unskilled  labor  of  young 
birds  and  adults  that  have  never  risen  to  eminence 
in  the  art  of  nest-building.  Many  of  these  nests 
might  be  taken  as  fair  samples  of  the  workman- 
ship of  the  Wood  Thrush.  In  this  interpretation 
of  facts,  we  should  expect  to  meet  with  some  evi- 
dence that  migratorius  is  a  higher  type  of  avis 
than  mustelinus.  It  is  well  known  that  the  young 
of  the  former,  or  the  Robin,  has  the  breast  spotted 
precisely  like  the  latter,  or  Wood  Thrush  in  its 
adult  plumage ;  but  this  condition  of  plumage  is 
of  short  duration  and  gradually  merges  into  the 
uniform  tints  of  the  mature  bird. 

With  this  light  upon  the  subject,  we  are  pre- 
pared to  understand  why  resemblances  should 
obtain  between  certain  nests  of  the  Robin  and  the 
typical  ones  of  the  Wood  Thrush.  Among  birds, 
as  among  the  human  species,  there  exist  individ- 
uals of  lazy 'and  careless  habits;  and  others,  dull 


LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

and  stupid  in  nature.  Granting  the  existence  of 
such  classes,  for  the  sake  of  argument,  may  we 
not  assume  with  some  show  of  reason  that  those 
structures  which  deviate  materially  from  the  typi- 
cal form,  are  the  workmanship  of  unskilled 
mechanics. 

Oviposition  commences  on  the  third  day  sub- 
sequent to  the  completion  of  the  nest.  But  a  single 
egg  is  deposited  daily.  Whilst  the  female  is  en- 
gaged in  incubation,  which  shortly  ensues,  the 
male  is  extremely  devoted  and  attentive.  He 
stations  himself  upon  an  adjoining  tree  or  bush, 
when  not  engaged  in  supplying  her  physical 
wants,  in  full  view  of  the  nest.  Ever  on  the  alert 
he  permits  no  intrusion  within  the  territory  over 
which  he  has  chosen  to  exercise  jurisdiction. 
When  his  dominions  are  encroached  upon  by  any 
of  his  feathered  brethern,  with  almost  deafening 
clamor  he  repels  the  intruder.  On  the  approach 
of  human  footsteps  he  instantly  sounds  the  alarm, 
beats  around  the  head  of  the  supposed  enemy 
with  his  pinions,  taking  due  care  to  keep  at  a  safe 
distance,  and  with  loud  and  rapid  cries  of  mingled 
complaint  and  fear,  endeavors  to  cause  him  to 
desist  from  any  contemplated  annoyance. 

This  watchfulness  is  mainly  relaxed  when  the 
nest  is  placed,  beyond  the  reach  of  danger. 
Whilst  writing  (May  i2th),  a  nest  very  snugly 
reposes  upon  the  window-ledge  of  a  neighboring 
dwelling.  But  three  days  were  spent  in  its  con- 
struction. Subsequent  to  receiving  its  plaster  of 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  9 

mud  on  the  inside,  which  in  this  case  was  much 
less  than  what  more  exposed  nests  require,  the 
female  was  observed  to  resort  freequently  to  a 
pool  of  water  and  after  having1  saturated  her 
plumage,  to  repair  to  the  unfinished  nest,  and  by 
a  series  of  bodily  evolutions  which  she  practised,  im- 
part thereto  a  smoothness  and  symmetry  of  outline. 
At  the  time  of  writing  the  female  is  engaged  in 
sitting.  Her  partner  seldom  visits  the  nest,  and 
is  rarely  to  be  discerned  in  the  immediate  vicinity. 
The  female  is  compelled  to  provide  her  own  sus- 
tenance which  she  regularly  does  every  morning. 
Actuated  by  a  true  motherly  instinct,  she  barely 
allows  time  to  satisfy  the  cravings  of  appetite 
before  resuming  her  labor. 

The  period  required  for  the  hatching  of  the 
young  ranges  from  13  to  -14  days.  The  usual 
complement  of  eggs  is  four.  We  have  frequently 
discovered  nests  with  three  eggs,  and  occasionally 
others  with  five.  The  full  number  is  ordinarily 
hatched  where  the  female  is  not  interfered  with. 
The  eggs  are  of  a  uniform  greenish-blue  color, 
liable  to  fade  on  exposure  to  light,  but  when  fresh 
exhibit  a  bright  and  distinct  tint.  They  vary  in 
size,  but  the  average  measurement  is  i.iS  by  .81 
inches. 

Both  parents  are  very  attentive  to  their  helpless 
charges,  and  alternate  usually  in  fetching  food  to 
satisfy  their  rapacious  appetites.  During;  the 
temporary  absence  of  the.  parents  on  such  mis- 
sions which  occasionally  occurs,  the  young  are 


10  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

objects  of  special  regard  by  the  Purple  Grakle, 
which  visits  the  nest  and  carries  off  the  tender 
fledglings  as  articles  of  diet.  The  parents  provide 
for  their  physical  wants  during  a  period  of  18 
days,  when  they  are  driven  from  the  nest  to  earn 
their  own  livelihood. 

The  following  insects  constitute  an  important 
part  of  the  food  of  the  young:  Earth  worm  (Lum- 
bricus  terrcstris),  ground  beetle  (Lachnosterna 
qucrcind),  measuring  worms  (Gcometra  catenaria 
of  Harris,  Anisopteryx  vernata,  Eufitckia  ribearid), 
Dryocampa  rubicunda,  rose  slug  (Selandria  rosce), 
sulphur  butterfly  (Colias  philodice],  cabbage  but- 
terfly (Pieris  olcraccce),  in  their  larval  conditipn ; 
besides  various  dipterous  insects  as  the  house  fly 
(Afusca  domestica),  white-lined  horse  fly  (Tabanus 
lincola],  stable  fly  (Stomoxys  calcitrans],  mosquito 
{Culex  t(eniorhynchus\&h&  others.  Add  to  these 
the  fruits  of  the  several  varieties  of  cherry  (Pnums 
cerasus],  the  strawberry  {Fragaria  virginiana) ,  and 
the  various  species  of  Rubus  or  blackberry,  and 
you  have  a  bill  of  fare  not  to  be  despised.  As  the 
young  increase  in  size  and  strength  other  articles 
are  added  to  their  diet. 

Of  all  species  the  Robin  is  pre-eminently  insect- 
ivorous. It  is  true  that  it  will  feed  upon  seeds 
and  berries  when  insect-food  cannot  be  obtained. 
Besides  the  berries  mentioned  above  we  have 
found  it  feeding  upon  R^tbus  villosns  and  Rubus 
canadcnsis  among  blackberries;  the  wild  choke- 
cherry  (Pnmus  scrotina),  the  cedar  (jfunipems 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  I  I 

virginiand],  its  near  cousin  the  common  juni- 
per (J.communis),z\\&  the  sweet  gum  (Liquidam- 
bar  styraciflud] .  In  early  spring  various  species 
of  beetles  constitute  its  principal  food.  An  exami- 
nation of  the  stomachs  of  several  birds,  revealed 
traces  of  the  folio  wing  coleoptera  which  mostly  dwell 
underneath  stones,  logs  and  the  bark  of  trees. 
For  want  of  common  names  we  are  compelled  to 
place  before  our  readers  their  scientific  appella- 
tions;  reserving"  for  a  future  work,  plain  and 
simple  descriptions  of  the  configuration  and  mark- 
ings by  which  the  uneducated  in  science  may 
be  able  to  identify  them.  The  most  common 
forms  are  Dicahis  dilatatns,  Har pains  pcnsylvani- 
cus,  H.  coin-par,  Pangus  caliginosus,  Scarites  siib- 
terraneas,  Casnonia  pensylvanica,  Platymts  cupri- 
pennis;  larvae  and  imagos  of  Lachnosterna  qucrcina, 
Cratonychus  cincrcus  among  beetles ;  Musca 
domestica,  Tabanns  lincola,  Stomoxys  calcitrans, 
Cnlcx  tceniorhynchiis,  whose  common  names  have 
been  given  above,  crane  fly  (Tipidafernigincd), 
Syrphus  obliqims  and  Scatophago  furcata  among 
diptera;  Formica  sangiiinca  among  hymenoptera; 
CEdipoda  nebnlosa,  (2i.  snlpJnirca,  Caloptenafeimtr- 
rubruni  among  grasshoppers,  and  the  black  cricket 
(Achcta  mgra;  larva;  of  Anisoptcryx  vcrnata,  Eu- 
fitchia  ribcaria,  Gcometra  catenaria  of  Harris,  corn 
worm  (Gortyna  zc<z],  Picris  olcracece,  P.  rapce, 
Col i as  pJiilbdice,  Spilosoma  virginica,  apple  borer 
(Penthina  pomonclla),  and  Harrisina  Americana; 
besides  the  earth  worm  (Lumbricus  tcrrcslris]. 


I  2  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

The  flight  of  the  Robin  is  low,  heavy,  firm  and 
tolerably  well  sustained.  Its  movements  upon  the 

oround  like  most  of  the  Tnrdida  or  Thrushes,  is  a 
«•> 

slight  jump   rather  than  a  hop,  both   feet  being 
elevated  and  depressed  at  the  same  instant. 

Its  song  varies  somewhat  in  different  individuals. 
It  is  pronounced  in  a  clear,  distinct  manner  and 
with  a  pleasing  intonation;  and  consists  of  the 
repetition  of  two  short  syllables  pitched  in  the 
same  musical  key,  and  succeeded  by  others  more 
melodious  and  pleasing  which  are  uttered  with  a 
gradually  rising  modulation.  Occasionally  these 
last  syllables  are  altered,  thus  producing  a  marked 
variety  and  charming  effect.  The  following  lan- 
guage is  a  tolerably  accurate  expression  in  sylla- 
bles of  the  notes  of  an  individual  which  passes  for 
a  capital  singer: — t-wuh-t-wuh-tcd-ec,  t-wuh-t-wuh- 
te-oui',  this  last  syllable  has  the  sound  of  the  French 
word  oui  meaning  yes,  moderately  prolonged. 
Whilst  feeding  in  low  damp  meadows,  and  even 
in  cultivated  fields,  "its  notes  vary  and  sound  much 
like  the  syllables  te-fwuk  tc-fwnh-lcce,  the  last 
syllables  being  uttered  very  sharply,  and  consider- 
ably prolonged.  The  ordinary  call-note  is  a  sharp 
twl  produced  at  irregular  intervals.  Surprise  is 
expressed  by  the  syllables  twi-ti-kl-kl-ki-kl-kl  pro- 
nounced very  quickly  and  with  a  rising  intonation. 
Its  song  is  chiefly  heard  in  the  morning  and  in  the 
evening,  but  seldom  during  the  heat  of  the  day. 
It  is  heard  more  particularly  during  the  mating 
season. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  13 

In  closing  this  brief  but  necessarily  imperfect 
sketch,  an  incident  which  was  related  to  us  by  a 
thoroughly  reliable  friend  is  deserving  of  notice. 
Having  taken  a  pair  of  young  Robins  from  their 
nest,  he  confined  them  in  a  cage  and  placed  the 
latter  upon  a  tree  at  a  short  distance  from  his 
residence,  supposing  that  the  old  birds  would 
supply  their  wants.  For  a  brief  period  they  were 
carefully  fed  by  the  latter,  but  after  repeated  unsuc- 
cessful efforts  to  free  them  from  incarceration,  early 
one  morning  the  parents  were  seen  to  visit  the  cage 
and  administer  what  appeared  to  be  large  green 
caterpillars  of  irritating  properties.  In  a  short  time 
both  birds  which  up  to  this  period  were  full  of  life 
and  energy,  became  lifeless  bodies.  A  similar  state 
ment  in  connection  with  the  history  of  the  Mocking 
Bird  has  been  reported  to  us  by  reliable  parties 
who  have  been  eye-witnesses.  But  the  above  is 
the  only  instance  of  a  not  dissimilar  action  upon 
the  part  of  the  Robin. 

Turdus  mustelinus,  Gmelin. 

Unlike  its  near  cousin  whose  history  has  been 
briefly  delineated,  the  Wood  Robin  as  the  above 
species  is  fitly  designated,  is  a  rather  late  visitant. 
At  least,  it  has  never  been  observed  by  us  until 
Spring  has  thoroughly  re-asserted  her  supremacy. 
It  ordinarily  visits  the  latitude  of  Philadelphia, 
during  the  last  week  of  April  or  the  beginning  of 
May ;  often  as  late  as  the  eleventh  day  of  the 
latter  month.  Its  presence  is  announced  by  the 


14  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

agreeable  gushing  tinkling  notes  which  greet  the 
ear  from  the  tallest  tree  tops,  long  before  the  sun 
has  arisen  in  the  East.  The  same  delicious  strains 
are  re-assumed  a  little  before  sunset,  and  pro- 
longed for  more  than  an  hour  with  scarce  an  in- 
termission. It  is  the  males  who  are  thus  occupied, 
doubtless,  with  the  view  of  attracting  their  partners 
who  have  not  yet  arrived  from  their  Southern 
homes';  for  it  must  be  born  in  mind  that  the  former 
precede  the  latter  by  several  days.  This  song 
continues  in  all  its  vigor  until  mating  is  accom- 
plished, when  it  measurably  diminishes. 

Writers  on  ornithology  have  spoken  of  this 
Thrush  as  being  of  a  shy  and  retired  nature.  In 
the  latest  work  on  North  American  birds,  instances 
are  cited  where  the  species  has  displayed  consider- 
able confidence  in  man  by  building  in  close  prox- 
imity to  his  habitation.  For  several  years  past 
we  have  noticed  greater  predilection  for  the  busy 
haunts  of  Jife,  that  for  more  sequestered  situations. 
As  time  progresses,  the  species  will  become  more 
eminently  social  and  trustful.  The  current  of 
events  is  tending  in  this  direction.  In  thickly- 
wooded  regions  there  is  still  a  prevalence  of  this 
same  feeling. 

Besides  the  haunts  of  man,  dense  forests,  the 
outskirts  of  thickets,  and  borders  of  waste  fields 
are  noted  places  of  resort.  We  have  never  known 
individuals  to  nidificate  "  in  low  damp  forests, 
shaded  by  large  trees,"  as  affirmed  by  the  writers 
previously  alluded  to, 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  15 

The  flight  of  the  Wood  Robin  is  but  slightly 
elevated,  and  less  sustained  than  that  of  the  com- 
mon Robin;  but  decidedly  more  graceful.  Unlike 
the  latter  much  of  its  time  is  spent  upon  the 
ground  in  foraging  for  food.  Later  in  the  season 
when  caterpillars  and  berries  are  abundant,  it  is 
less  terrestrial  and  more  arboreal. 

Like  the  Robin  it  frequently  visits  our  orchards 
while  in  bloom,  not  more  for  the  insects  that  lurk 
in  the  blossoms  of  the  cherry  and  apple,  than  for 
the  tender  stamens  and  immature  ovaries  them- 
selves. Besides  the  fruits  of  the  above  plants 
which  it  esteems  a  great  luxury,  it  possesses  a 
decided  relish  for  those  of  the  cultivated  varieties  of 
Fragaria  and  the  wild  Rubus.  The  berries  of  the- 
Red  Cedar  and  Common  Juniper  are  also  de- 
voured with  a  gusto,  together  with  the  seeds  of 
many  of  our  commonest  weeds  and  grasses.  The 
accompanying  list  embraces  a  few  of  the  many 
insects  which  it  aids  its  fellow-creatures  in  holding 
in  check.  Among  beetles  may  be  enumerated 
Harpalus  pensylvanicus,  PL  compar,  Pangus  caligi- 
nosus,  Gi'atonychus  cinercus,  Casnonia  pensylva- 
nica,  Scarites  subterraneus,  Platynus  cupripennis, 
Lachnostema  quercina,  Thaneroclerus  sanguineus, 
Ptinus  humeralis;  among  orthoptera,  the  young  of 
CEdipoda  sulphured,  CE  nebulosa,  Caloptenus  femur- 
rubriim ;  among  the  diptera  or  two-winged  flies, 
Musca  domestica,  Tabanus  lineola,  T.  cinctus, 
Syrphus  obliquus,  Stomoxys  calcitrans,  Culex 
t&niorkynckus ;  among  lepidoptera  which  em- 


I  6  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

braces  butterflies  and  moths,  the  larvae  of  Anisop- 
tcryx  vernata,  Eufitchici  ribearia,  Gortyna  zc<z> 
Colias  philodice.  Fieri s  rapa\  P.  brassicce,  with  the 
images  of  the  same,  besides  earth-worms  and  ant. 

The  nest  is  generally  built  according  to  our 
experience,  upon  the  horizontal  branch,  and  oc- 
casionally within  the  crotch  of  some  species  of 
Finns,  at  an  elevation  of  less  than  two  feet  above 
the  ground.  We  have  taken  nests  at  an  elevation 
of  fifteen  feet  above  the  soil ;  but  rarely. 

A  normal  structure  is  described  as  being  chiefly 
composed  of  decayed  deciduous  leaves  closely 
aggregated,  as  if  combined  while  in  a  humid 
condition;  the  entire  fabric  assuming  consider- 
able firmness  and  compactness.  It  then  pre- 
sents the  appearance  of  paste  board  that  has. 
been  soaked  and  compressed  until  thoroughly 
dried.  These  are  intermingled  and  strengthened 

o  o 

by  a  few  dried  sticks,  and  lined  with  a  layer  of 
fine  roots  and  grasses.  In  lieu  of  the  dried  im- 
pacted leaves,  a  deposit  of  mucl  is  occasionally 
used. 

After  careful  analyses  of  several  nests,  we  are 
satisfied  that  the  above  description  which  is  sub- 
stantially that  of  Dr.  Brewer's  as  given  in  "North 
American  Birds,"  needs  some  modification.  But 
in  the  language  of  one  of  our  best  ornithologists, 
"  the  horizon  of  one  man  is  at  the  best  very  limited, 
and  many  ornithological  facts  occur  that  are  not 
dreamed  of  in  his  philosophy." 

Our   dissections    of  many  nests    clearly  show 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  17 

that  the  typical  nest  is  constituted  of  a  basis  of 
leaves,  chiefly  of  Quercus  and  Fagus,  loosely  ar- 
ranged in  the  bottom,  and  gradually  increasing  in 
compactness  from  below  upward ;  strengthened 
and  secured  in  a  partially  hemispherical  attitude 
by  the  aid  of  small  twigs.  This  is  surmounted  by 
a  superstructure  which  consists  of  a  heterogeneous 
mass  of  plant-stem^  in  an  advanced  state  of 
decomposition,  decayed  fragments  of  wood  re- 
sembling pine,  a  modicum  of  mud  closely  impacted, 
instead  of  decayed  deciduous  leaves  according 
to  the  authority  of  the  above  eminent  ornitholo- 
gist; over  all  is  a  layer  of  roots  intricately  ar- 
ranged. No  further  amendment  seems  necessary. 

The  environment  of  this  Thrush  like  that  of  the 
Robin,  occasionally  determines  a  marked  deviation 
from  the  normal  structure.  In  a  nest  which  we 
have  before  us,  which  was  built  upon  the  horizon- 
tal branch  of  a  species  of  Pinus,  along  a  carriage 
drive  which  was  daily  the  scene  of  much  bustle 
and  clatter,  there  is  lacking  the  internal  parch- 
ment-like layers.  Externally  there  is  a  layer  of 
the  dried  leaves  of  Quercus  and  Fagus,  the  inner 
bark  of  trees,  and  largely  of  the  blades  of  grasses 
possibly  of  Dactylus  glomerata  or  Orchard-grass  ; 
occasionally,  scraps  of  paper  form  a  noticeable 
feature.  Interiorly  there  is  a  thick  lining  of  small 
roots  and  grasses.  Five  or  six  days  of  steady 
application  by  both  sexes,  are  ample  for  the  con- 
struction of  a  nest. 

The  period  of  incubation  commences  not  earlier 


1 8  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

than  the  1 2th  of  May  and  continues  about  thirteen 
days.  Its  duties  devolve  exclusively  upon  the 
female ;  the  male  like  a  devoted  husband  mean- 
while attends  with  marked  assiduity  to  her  neces- 
sities. Both  parents  assist  by  turns  in  supplying 
the  young  with  food. 

Earthworms,  the  larvae  of  Cratonychus  cinereus, 
Lac hno sterna  quercina,  Anisopteryx  vernata,  Eu- 
fitchia  rib e aria,  Clisiocampa  Americana  or  Tent- 
caterpillar,  Colias  philodice,  Pieris  rapce,  Musca 
domes  tica,  Tabanus  lineola,  Tabanus  cinctus  or 
Banded-horse-fly,  Scatophago  furcata,  Stomoxys 
calcitrans,  Ctdex  t&niorhynchus,  and  other  dip- 
terous forms  ;  small  moths  and  beetles  when  such 
food  is  adapted  to  their  age  and  condition,  besides 
the  berries  of  Primus  cerasus,  P.  serotina,  Fragaria 
Virginiana,  and  the  various  species  of  Rubiis. 

The  parent-birds  manifest  considerable  solici- 
tude for  their  progeny.  When  the  nest  is  assailed 
both  birds  labor  vigorously  by  their  clamor  and 
threatening  attitudes  to  excite  fear  into  the  assail- 
ant. The  young  are  carefully  nourished  by  their 
parents  which  vie  with  each  other  in  rendering 
every  needful  attention. 

But  a  single  brood  is  reared  in  a  season.  Nests 
with  eggs  have  been  taken  by  us  as  late  as  the 
1 5th  of  July;  but  these  were  doubtless  the  labor 
of  birds  whose  early  efforts  had  been  frustrated. 
Their  departure  for  Central  America,  the  home  of 
their  winter  diversions,  is  apparently  regulated  by 
the  abundance  or  scarcity  of  food-stuffs.  We 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  19 

have  known  them  to  remain  with  us  as  late  as  the 
first  of  November,  when  the  season  has  been 
unusually  propitious.  The  same  agreeable  strains 
are  heard  in  the  morning  and  evening  twilight 
during  their  autumnal  stay,  as  marked  their  vernal 
advent. 

The  song  of  this  Thrush  is  one  of  its  most 
pleasing  characteristics.  No  lover  of  music  can 
fail  to  appreciate  it ;  and  having  ascertained  its 
source,  no  one  can  fail  to  recognize  it  when  heard 
again.  The  melody  is  one  of  great  sweetness  and 
power,  and  consists  of  several  parts.  The  con- 
clusion resembles  the  tinkling  of  a  small  bell, 
though  ending  somewhat  abruptly.  Each  suc- 
ceeding strain  seems  more  pleasing  than  what 
went  before.  The  following  language  will  convey 
to  the  minds  of  our  readers,  a  tolerably  clear  idea 
of  its  syllabic  expression: — ki-ki-ke-wil-ah-tce,  ke- 
ivil-ah-ffiil,  twitikl-ke-wil-ah-twilu,  ke-wil-ah-tee, 
ke-wil-a/i-tiiit,  tur-kimllah.  The  ordinary  call- note 
is  twni-ku-ku  pronounced  very  quickly  and  with  a 
sharp  intonation. 

The  eggs  of  the  Wood  Thrush  are  usually  four 
in  number.  We  have  never  observed  five  in  a 
nest,  but  have  occasionally  met  with  three.  They 
are  of  a  uniform  deep  blue  color,  with  enough  of 
yellow  to  impart  a  greenish  tint.  The  average 
measurement  is  .99  by  .75  of  an  inch. 

7 urdus  Pallcbsii,  Cabanis. 
The  "Ground  Swamp  Robin"  or  Hermit  Thrush 


2O  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   BIRDS 

as  the  above  species  is  commonly  designated,  is 
a  common  visitant  in  the  latitude  of  Philadelphia. 
At  the  time  of  writing,  April,  1875,  ^  'ls  unusually 
abundant.  It  migrates  in  small  straggling  parties 
ordinarily,  but  on  the  occasion  referred  to  above, 
solitary  male  individuals  were  alone  discerned. 

This  Thrush  delights  in  open  fields  and  the 
borders  of  dense  forests.  In  these  situations 
it  frequents  young  trees  of  Abies  canadensis  prin- 
cipally, among  the  nethermost  branches  of  which 
it  reposes  when  not  engaged  in  foraging  among 
the  underlying  leaves  for  the  insects  and  seeds 
which  constitute  its  diet.  In  one  instance  we 
captured  a  specimen  close  to  our  habitation. 

Though  generally  a  frequenter  of  retired 
localities,  it  cannot  be  accused  of  shyness  and 
timidity.  Nothing  is  more  remote  from  its  nature. 
It  has  proved  itself  to  be  the  most  confiding  and 
unsuspecting  little  creature  with  which  we  are 
acquainted,  except  SEgiothus  linaria.  When 
closely  pursued,  it  is  the  same  quiet  confiding 
creature,  as  when  gleaning  among  the  fallen  leaves. 
To  test  its  disposition  in  this  particular,  the  writer 
stationed  himself  at  the  termination  of  a  clump  of 
small  trees,  where  a  single  bird  was  feeding,  and 
requested  a  friend  to  place  himself  in  its  rear  and 
to  proceed  directly  towards  the  spot  where  he  was 
standing.  He  did  so,  driving  the  bird  before  him. 
The  latter  advanced  within  a  few  feet  of  the 
writer,  and  perched  upon  a  small  twig  with  the 
utmost  gravity.  From  this  position  it  calmly  sur- 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  21 

veyed  us  without  the  slightest  betrayal  of  fear  or 
alarm.  After  a  few  moments  thus  spent,  the  writer 
stretched  forth  his  hand,  when  with  an  air  of  the 
most  startling  unconcern,  it  hopped  carelessly 
aside.  Whilst  in  the  pursuit  of  food,  this  Thrush 
does  not  utter  a  single  note.  Its  lack  of  Rf)fV\ 
during  the  intervals  of  feeding,  is  one  of  its  m^.,t 
natural  characteristics.  In  other  species  these 
intervals  are  marked  by  occasional  articulations  of 
short  and  apparently  meaningless  syllables.  This 
feature  of  the  Hermit  Thrush,  constitutes  it  an 
interesting  exception  to  its  exceedingly  loquacious 
brethren  of  the  subfamily  Turdina. 

Several  years  of  experience  have  convinced  us 
that  this  species  can  by  no  means  be  considered 
as  rare  in  this  latitude.  Its  sojoiirn  with  us 
seldom  exceeds  the  limit  of  a  week,  when  it  repairs 
farther  north  to  breed.  On  its  return  in  the 
autumn  it  frequents  secluded  situations,  but  its 
stay  is  of  short  duration. 

Its  food  consists  of  the  seeds  of  grasses  and 
various  small  beetles  and  diptera.  The  accompany- 
ing list  gives  a  correct  and  tolerably  complete  idea 
of  the  coleopterous  insects  which  constitute  its  diet 
during  its  temporary  sojourn.  This  list  is  based 
upon  careful  examinations  of  many  stomachs:— 
Diccelus  dilatatus,  Platynus  cupripennis,  Scarites 
subterraneasy  Cratonychus  cinereus,  C.  pertinax, 
Harpalus  pensylvanicus,  H.  compar,  Rhynchceits  pini 
or  Pine-weevil,  Saperda  bimttata  or  Apple-tree- 
borer,  and  Corymbites  sEtkiops.  Various  species  of 


22  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF    BIRDS 

ants  with  the  common  earthworm  are  also  devoured 
with  avidity. 

The  flight  of  this  species  is  low,  resembling  that 
of  Turdus  mustelinus,  but  slightly  less  sustained. 
Its  ground-movements  are  accomplished  by  short 
hops  or  jumps  properly  speaking,  and  do  not 
differ  in  this  respect  from  those  so  eminently  char- 
acteristic of  the  Thrushes. 

As  its  habits  of  feeding  are  pre-eminently  ter- 
restrial, and  generally  in  secluded  peaces  under- 
neath coniferous  trees,  one  little  acquainted  with 
its  nidification  might  reasonably  look  for  its  nest 
in  similar  situations.  In  fact  it  is  precisely  in  such 
places  that  it  breeds  according  to  the  testimony  of 
able  writers.  It  may  be  true  as  a  rule,  though 
subject  to  some  exceptions  however,  that  the 
nidificating  habits  of  a  species,  whether  terrestrial 
or  arboreal  in  character,  bear  a  definite  relation  to 
its  habits  of  feeding.  Ground-feeders  mainly 
construct  their  nests  upon  the  soil,  or  among  the 
branches  of  low  shrubbery.  On  the  contrary, 
those  that  seek  their  food  among  the  branches  of 
trees,  or  within  the  crevices  of  bark,  are  usually 
tree-builders. 

This  Thrush  does  not  nidificate  in  our  latitude. 
According  to  Dr.  Brewer  its  nest  is  "  built  on  the 
ground,  most  generally  either  under  the  low 
bushes,  or  in  the  open  ground,  rarely,  if  ever 
among  thick  trees,  and  for  the  most  part  in  low 
swampy  places."  It  is  said  to  resemble  the  nest 
of  Turdus  fiiscescens,  and  is  "  composed  of  decayed 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  23 

deciduous  leaves,  remnants  of  dried  plants,  sedges 
and  grasses  intermingled  with  twigs,  and  lined 
with  finer  grasses,  sedges  and  strips  of  bark.  The 
nests  are  3  inches  in  height  and  5  inches  in 
diameter,  with  a  cavity  3*^  inches  wide  by  i^ 
deep." 

The  young  birds  are  readily  domesticated  and 
become  quite  cheerful  and  playful ;  but  are  so 
uncleanly  in  their  habits  as  to  make  not  very 
desirable  favorites. 

When  the  nest  is  visited,  these  Thrushes  silently 
retire  to  a  short  distance ;  but  when  it  is  assailed 
by  the  hawk,  both  birds  unite  to  drive  away  the 
intruder,  uttering  all  the  while  "loud  and  clear 
chirps  and  peculiarly  twittering  sounds." 

The  eggs  vary  in  length  and  measure  on  the 
average  .82  with  a  width  of  .62  of  an  inch,  and  are 
of  a  uniform  bluish-green  hue. 

Turdus  fuscescens,  Stephens. 

The  Tawny  or  Wilson's  Thursh  as  this  species 
is  popularly  designated,  revisits  us  not  earlier  than 
the  middle  of  May.  Being  of  a  retired  disposition 
and  chiefly  a  frequenter  of  copses  and  open  fields, 
its  presence  is  not  ordinarily  observed  in  situations 
which  its  congeners  love  to  visit. 

Its  flight  is  moderately  elevated  and  tolerably 
well-sustained.  Its  habits  whilst  feeding  are  both 
terrestrial  and  arboreal.  In  this  respect  it  differs 
materially  from  Pallasii  and  approximates  musteli- 
nus. 


24  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

Its  diet  is  both  vegetal  and  animal.  The  seeds 
of  grasses  and  the  berries  of  the  red-cedar,  com- 
mon-juniper, Rubus  villosus,  Prunus  serotina,  Fra- 
garia  Virginiana,  and  Viburnum  Lentago  consti- 
tute the  former;  while  the  latter  includes  such 
insects  as  Har pains  compar,  H.  pensylvanicus, 
Pang^ls  caliginosus,  Cratony r/ms  cinereus,  C.  perti- 
nax,  Platymis  ciipripennis,  Rhyme hceus  pini,  For- 
mica sanguinea  and  F.  subterranea. 

The  song  of  this  Thrush  is  quaint  but  not 
unmusical;  variable  in  character,  changing  from  a 
monotonous  whistle  to  quick  and  shrill  notes  at 
the  conclusion.  It  consists  of  an  indescribably 
delicate  metallic  articulation  of  the  syllables 
ta-weel'-ah,  ta-weel-ah,  twU'-ah,  twil'ah  followed  by 
a  fine  trill  which  renders  it  truly  enchanting.  The 
above  syllables  expressive  of  the  language  of  its 
melody,  which  are  those  of  Mr.  Ridgway,  are 
tolerbly  correct  representations  in  our  judgment. 

Its  nest  is  commonly  built  during  the  early  part 
of  June  in  a  clump  of  grasses,  so  carefully  hidden 
as  to  escape  observation.  Indeed,  there  would  be 
little  possibility  of  discovery,  did  the  female  ex- 
ercise the  slightest  degree  of  precaution.  Instead 
of  maintaining  silence  on  the  approach  of  danger, 
her  over-solicitude  betrays  her,  and  thu^s  reveals 
the  tale.  So  rare  is  this  species  of  Turdus  that 
we  have  never  discovered  more  than  a  half  dozen 
nests  in  three  square-miles  of  territory. 

In  compactness  and  also  in  the  variety  of 
materials  which  are  utilized,  considerable  variation 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  25 

is  observable  in  nests.  Most  nests  are  rather 
compactly  built.  A  heterogeneous  medley  of  fine 
and  coarse  grasses,  skeletonized  leaves,  fragments 
of  corn  leaves  and  husks,  are  conspicuous  ex- 
teriorly; while  interiorly,  there  is  a  thick  lining  of 
slender  dichotomously-divided  branches  of  Pani- 
cum  capillare.  The  dimensions  vary  but  slightly 
from  what  has  been  recorded  by  others. 

A  single  specimen  which  we  have  by  us,  in 
details  of  structure  and  elements  of  composition, 
bear  a  close  resemblance  to  a  published  descrip- 
tion of  the  Turdiis  Pallasii  of  Cabanis.  This  nest 
is  loosely  constructed.  The  situation  in  which  it 
was  found,  to  wit,  a  tussock  of  grasses  would  seem 
to  render  a  more  durable  fabric  unnecessary. 
Exteriorly  it  is  composed  of  the  leaves  and  culms 
of  coarse  grasses,  fragments  of  corn  husks  and 
leaves  of  the  same,  dried  leaves  of  Quercus,  Fagus 
and  Castanea  in  abundance,  inner  bark  of  various 
trees,  besides  a  species  of  moss  probably  Sphag- 
num squarrosum.  The  interior  is  constituted  of 
fine  leaves,  slender  stems  of  Panicum,  and  a 
superabundance  of  slender  dark  rootlets  of  Aris- 
tolochia  serpentaria  o  r  V i  rgi n ia-  s  n  ake  roo t .  In  situ, 
the  dimensions  of  the  fabric  vary  a  trifle  from  the 
typical  form. 

The  period  of  incubation  of  this  species^  owing 
to  its  various  and  secluded  habits,  we  have  not 
been  able  to  determine. 

The  eggs,  usually  four  in  number,  seldom  more, 
are  of  a  uniform  green  color,  slightly  tinged  with 


26  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

blue,  and  measure  on  the  average  .93  by  .65  of  an 
inch  in  diameter. 

We  are  convinced  that  its  autumnal  migration 
is  much  earlier  than  its  near  relatives.  It  has 
been  missed  by  the  latter  part  of  August.  In  the 
summer  of  1873,  during  the  first  week  of  Septem- 
ber, small  flocks  were  seen  along  the  eastern 
shore  of  Delaware  Bay,  feeding  upon  the  seeds  of 
Paspalum  setacenm,  which  grows  luxuriantly  in 
sandy  soils.  On  the  succeeding  morning,  no 
traces  of  them  were  to  be  seen.  It  was  observed 
on  this  occasion  that  the  birds  were  exceedingly 
unsuspicious,  and  would  permit  a  near  approach 
without  the  least  manifestation  of  fear  or  alarm. 

Subfamily  Miminae.     Mocking  Thrushes. 

The  Mocking  Thrushes  as  a  group  are  chiefly 
southern,  scarcely  passing  beyond  the  borders  of 
the  United  States.  They  attain  their  maximum 
development  in  Central  and  South  America.  The 
MimincB  are  properly  restricted  to  the  American 
representatives  of  the  genera  Mimus,  Harporhyn- 
chus,  and  several  closely  allied  forms.  More  than 
forty  species  are  recorded,  about  two-thirds  ot 
them  being  genuine.  The  genus  Mimics  embraces 
nearly  one-half  of  the  current  species,  while  Har- 
porhynchus  is  represented,  within  our  limits,  by 
all  known  species,  with  a  single  exception.  In 
general  habits  they  resemble  the  true  Thrushes. 

Mimus  polyglottus,  Boie. 
The  Mocking  Bird  by  which  our  readers  most 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  27 

generally  recognize  this  species,  has  been  rare 
in  Eastern  Pennsylvania,  of  late  years.  For- 
merly, it  was  more  abundant.  In  some  obscure 
and  unfrequented  nook,  we  have  occasionally 
observed  a  mated  pair.  Such  retirement  as  is 
met  with  in  the  small  valleys  which  nestle 
among  the  Wissahickon  hills,  is  its  chief  delight. 
Unlike  its  former  self,  it  now  shuns  rather  than 
courts  the  society  of  man.  A  friend  of  consider- 
able experience  informs  us,  that  twenty  years  ago  it 
was  exceedingly  common  in  Germantown,  before 
the  arts  and  appliances  of  a  spreading  civilization 
had  usurped  the  wild  retreats  of  nature.  Then  it 
would  occasionally  charm  us  with  its  choicest 
songs,  and  favor  us  with  its  presence  by  building 
within  our  orchards. 

It  certainly  is  a  late  comer;  its  presence  being 
unobserved  before  the  beginning  of  May.  On  its 
arrival  it  seeks  a  partner  and  commences  nidifica- 
tion.  But  a  single  brood  is  reared  in  a  season. 
In  details  of  structure  and  in  nest-materials,  a 
marked  resemblance  to  the  Cat  Bird,  the  Mimus 
carolinensis  of  Gray,  is  distinctly  noticeable. 

Both  parent-birds  are  strongly  attached  to  each 
other,  and  extremely  sedulous  in  their  attentions 
to  their  young.  During  incubation  and  sub- 
sequently, they  display  great  pertinacity  and 
courage  when  assailed  by  enemies.  Diptera, 
mosquitoes,  butterflies,  larvae  of  non-irritating 
properties,  earthworms,  and  berries  of  divers  kinds, 
constitute  their  dietary.  The  period  of  incubation 


28  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF    BIRDS 

differs  but  little  if  any  from  that  of  the  common 
Cat  Bird. 

The  vocal  powers  of  the  Mocking  Bird  sur- 
pass in  their  imitative  notes  and  natural  melody, 
those  of  any  other  species.  Its  song  is  full,  firm 
and  musical,  and  capable  of  considerable  variation 
in  its  modulation.  The  scream  of  the  Eagle,  and 
the  soft  delicate  notes  of  the  Blue  Bird,  are 
imitated  with  great  precision,  and  with  equal 
facility.  Notwithstanding  its  remarkable  powers 
of  imitation,  it  possesses  a  natural  song  which  for 
sweetness,  force,  and  volume,  cannot  be  excelled. 

The  eggs  are  mostly  four  in  number,  but 
Occasionally  five.  They  vary  in  length  from  .94 
to  i. 06  of  an  inch,  and  in  breadth  from  .81  to  .96 
of  an  inch.  Considerable  variations  are  exhibited 
in  the  combinations  of  markings  and  tints.  The 
ground  color  is  ordinarily  a  light  greenish-blue, 
varying  from  a  light  to  a  decided  blue,  with  a 
somewhat  greenish  tint.  The  markings  consist 
of  purple,  chocolate  brown,  russet  and  a  decided 
dark  brown. 

Mimus  Carolinensis,  Gray. 

This  widely  detested  and  much  persecuted 
species,  the  Cat  Bird,  makes  its  annual  visit  from 
the  genial  climate  of  Central  America,  in  small 
flocks  during  the  latter  part  of  April;  but  more 
generally  in  the  beginning  of  May.  For  some 
time  after  its  arrival,  it  seeks  sequestered  situa- 
tions, spending  much  of  its  time  upon  the  ground 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  29 

among  underbrush.  Seemingly  it  prefers  conceal- 
ment, if  its  actions  afford  any  criteria.  But  later, 
when  the  buds  begin  to  burst  and  the  leaves  to 
expand,  it  becomes  less  suspicious,  and  emerges 
from  its  obscurity  and  charms  us  by  the  sociability 
of  its  manners  and  the  variety  and  loveliness  of 
its  melodies. 

Its  flight  is  low,  moderately  firm,  slightly  un- 
dulating, and  but  feebly  sustained.  Whilst 
feeding  it  is  both  arboreal  and  terrestrial,  but 
chiefly  the  latter;  .never  gleaning  among  the 
topmost  boughs  of  tall  trees,  but  among  low 
bushes  and  trees  of  short  stature. 

During  its  temporary  residence  it  subsists  upon 
berries  and  insects.  Among  the  former,  the 
fruits  of  Juniperus  Virginiana,  Rubus  villosus, 
Virbwnum  lentago,  and  the  seeds  of  grasses  con- 
stitute an  important  part  of  its  diet.  The  flowers 
of  the  apple  and  cherry  are  often  visited  for  the 
insects  which  lurk  in  them;  possibly,  the  authers 
and  ovaries  are  as  much  a  source  of  attraction. 
A  careful  examination  of  the  stomachs  of  many 
individuals,  reveals  besides  perfect  specimens, 
recognizable  fragments  of  the  following  insects: — 
Pangus  caliginosus,  Harpalus  pensylvanicus,  H. 
compar,  Platynus  cupripennis,  Ptinus  humeralis, 
Bostrichus  pint,  Formica  sanguined  Lumbricus 
terrestris  and  a  species  of  Tulis.  The  above 
insects  constitute  its  food  early  in  the  season;  but 
as  it  advances,  and  the  various  dipterous  and 
lepidopterous  types  of  articulate  existences  come 


3O  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   BIRDS 

into  being,  its  bill  of  fare  is  augmented.  Complete" 
specimens  of  the  diptera  have  'been  identified,  of 
which  Tabanus  lineola,  T.  cinctus,  Musca  domestica, 
Stomoxys  calcitrans,  and  species  of  Ortalis  and 
Anthomyh,  are  ezamples.  Among  lepidoptera, 
the  larvae  of  Pieris  rapes,  Eufitchia  ribearia, 
Gortyna  ze&,  Anisopteryx  vernata,  and  others  of 
the  Phalcenoidce,  Clisiocampa  Americana,  and  the 
smaller  Noctuids,  Tortricids  and  Tineids. 

The  Cat  Bird's  power  of  memory  though  circum- 
scribed and  imperfectly  exercised,  is  nevertheless 
very  amusing.  The  more  complicated  notes  it 
seldom  attempts  to  copy,  for  when  it  does,  it  sig- 
nally fails.  The  note  of  the  Quail,  the  refrain  of 
the  Towhee,  the  simple  strain  of  the  Pewee  Fly 
Catcher,  it  imitates  so  faithfully  that  it  is  difficult 
to  distinguish  them  from  the  original.  Besides 
these,  we  have  heard  snatches  of  songs  of  the 
Field  and  White-throated  Sparrows,  as  well  as  the 
surprise  notes  of  the  Robin. 

Unlike  the  Long-tailed  Thrush  when  it  essays  a 
song,  the  Cat  Bird  is  not  over-nice  in  its  choice  of 
position.  It  generally  seeks  low  bushes  and  small 
trees,  but  will  occasionally  like  the  Blue  Bird  pour 
forth  its  choicest  strains  from  the  ground,  a  de- 
cayed log,  or  perched  upon  a  fence-rail.  It  is  one 
of  the  earliest  and  most  persevering  of  our  song- 
sters, regaling  us  with  its  varied  notes,  except  at 
brief  intervals,  during  the  livelong  day.  With  its 
extensive  store  of  notes  and  meagre  knoweledge 
of  the  rules  of  harmony,  it  but  excites  amusement 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  3! 

• 

by  its  mirth-provoking  arrangements.  Its  notes 
are  often  well  selected;  but  it  occasionably  hap- 
pens that  its  well-tuned  unisons  are  unavoidably 
marred,  it  seems  to  us,  by  the  introduction  of 
some  misplaced  or  ridiculous  passage. 

The  following  syllables  express  a  tolerably 
accurate  representation  of  a  portion  of  the  song 
of  what  might  be  deemed  a  capital  singer: — twur- 
twe-  i-twich-twlck-trdue-i-twiiii,  £wa-we?t,  kce-£kare, 
kweer,  t'wuh-chick-liiii,  pee-dee,  chou,  che,  msc,  iwiii, 
che-che-chc.  When  alarmed  by  an  intruder,  a 
harsh  disagreeable  sound  which  has  been  likened 
to  the  cry  of  a  cat  is  heard;  this  note  is  also 
repeated  on  the  approach  of  any  object  of  fear  or 
disgust.  It  may  be  somewhat  accurately  expressed 
by  the  syllable  meydk. 

When  mating  is  over,  much  time  is  spent  in 
selecting  a  locality  for  building  purposes.  The 
injudiciousness  of  the  selection  is  not  always  fore- 
seen, and  a  nest  is  often  nearly  completed  before 
the  mistake  is  discovered.  In  this  predicament, 
instead  of  "making  the  best  of  a  bad  bargain,"  the 
birds  totally  ignore  the  site  for  another  better 
.  suited  to  their  taste. 

Few  species  will  tolerate  for  any  considerable 
time  the  scrutiny  of  human  beings  whilst  engaged 
in  nest-building,  but  will  rather  suspend  operations 
until  the  annoyance  has  disappeared.  Not  so 
with  the  Cat  Bird;  where  accustomed  to  man,  it 
will  work  fearlessly  and  resolutely  under  his  very 
eyes. 


32  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   BIRDS 

» 

Ordinarily,  nidification  commences  about  the 
1 8th  of  May.  Both  birds  work  diligently  during 
the  cooler  hours  of  the  morning  and  evening, 
until  the  nest  is  completed,  which  is  the  labor  of 
five  or  six  days.  We  have  known  cases  where 
the  birds  have  continued  to  labor  until  after  dusk, 
but  then  on  moonlit  evenings. 

We  have  frequently  amused  ourselves  in  watch- 
ing for  hours  the  building  process.  ,  When  a 
suitable  article  has  been  found,  the  bird  does  not 
fly  immediately  to  the  nest  and  adjust  the  piece, 
but  indulges  in  short  flights  from  one  object  to  an 
aojoining  one,  carefully  surveying  the  premises 
all  the  while,  until  within  a  few  paces  of  the  nest, 
when  she  rapidly  flies  thither,  and  having  satis- 
factorily adjusted  it,  goes  off  in  quest  of  other 
materials. 

For  building  purposes  a  bush  or  small  tree  in 
close  proximity  to  a  stream  of  water  is  ordinarily 
selected.  The  common  alder,  spice  wood,  juniper, 
and  wild  Rubus,  are  most  commonly  chosen  for  the 
site  of  a  nest.  We  have  often  observed  nests 
upon  bushes  close  by  dwellings,  and  in  places 
where  travel  was  of  common  daily  occurrence. 

"The  usual  materials  for  nests  are  dried  leaves 
for  a  base,  slender  strips  of  long  dark  bark,  small 
twigs,  herbaceous  plants,  fine  roots,  and  fine  stems. 
They  are  lined  with  fine  dry  grasses  and  sedges. 
The  nests  average  4  inches  in  height,  by  5  inches 
in  diameter.  The  diameter  and  depth  of  the 
cavity  are  3^  inches."  The  above  description 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  33 

has  been  borrowed  from  "  Birds  of  North  America" 
by  Baird,  Brewer  a.nd  Ridgway. 

In  many  nests  which  we  have  examined,  there 
has  been  a  heterogeneous  commingling  of  various 
vegetable  substances  constituting  an  exterior. 
Leaves  of  Quercus,  Fagus,  and  Populus,  stems  of 
Chenopodium  album,  coarse  strips  of  the  outer 
bark  of  the  vine,  inner  bark  of  the  poplar,  husks 
of  corn,  composed  the  outer  fabric.  The  strips  of 
bark  served  to  bind  the  other  materials  firmly 
together.  A  thick  layer  of  rootlets  constitute  the 
inner  structure. 

Another  nest  which  we  have  examined,  in 
addition  to  the  above  materials,  exhibited  frag- 
ments of  vines  of  Convolvulus  arvensis,  a  species 
of  Bindweed,  and  the  Wild-bean,  Apios  tiiberosa\ 
liber  of  trees  of  dingy  whiteness,  three-fourths  of 
an  inch  in  width ;  and  discolored  pine  shavings. 
Few  leaves  were  noticeable  in  the  exterior.  In- 
teriorly, there  was  a  close  lining  of  the  roots  and 
stems  of  herbaceous  plants.  In  contour,  the  nest 
was  very  irregular,  with  the  base  obliquely  in- 
clined to  the  mouth.  The  structure  bore  a  near 
resemblance  to  the  nest  of  the  Maryland  Yellow 
Throat,  save  that  it  was  somewhat  shorter.  From 
its  marked  deviation  from  the  typical  nest  which 
is  hemispherical,  beautifully  symmetrical  and 
moderately  compact,  we  presume  it  to  be  the 
workmanship  of  young  birds  or  those  of  indolent 
habits. 

The  ground-structure  of  a  nest  in  our  possession, 


34  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

is  mainly  composed  of  the  culms  of  grasses,  with 
a  slight  intersprinkling  of  leaves  and  rootlets. 
Within,  there  is  an  excess  of  the  stems  of  grasses 
and  a  few  rootlets.  The  entire  fabric  is  carelessly 
arranged  with  little  evidence  of  design.  But  for  the 
strips  of  bark  that  cover  the  outside,  the  nest 
unsupported  by  the  branches  upon  which  it  was 
built,  would  be  shivered  to  pieces  by  the  gentlest 
breeze. 

The  most  beautiful  fabric  we  have  seen  was 
constructed  close  to  a  human  habitation.  The 
outside  of  this  cozy  and  beautiful  structure  is 
composed  of  wool,  raw  cotton,  strings,  fragments 
of  lamp  wick,  a  slight  intermixture  of  tangled  silk, 
fragments  of  lichen  possibly  Cenomyce  rangiferina, 
held  in  situ  by  strands  of  silk.  Upon  this  basis, 
is  built  a  superstructure  of  fine  rootlets,  inter- 
mingled with  patches  of  wool.  For  a  lining 
internally,  small  dichotomously-divided  branches 
of  Panicum  capillare  and  wool  were  use'd.  This 
nest  is  the  most  unique  specimen  of  architecture 
of  the  Cat  Bird  which  we  have  ever  seen.  Nothing 
of  the  kind  have  we  seen  described  in  books. 
It  was  certainly  the  work  of  superior  mechanics. 

The  foregoing  fact  with  others  of  a  similar 
character  which  we  have  noticed,  conclusively 
shows  that  birds  are  not  the  dull  routine-loving 
beings  which  we  have  often  depicted  them  to  be; 
such  of  us  as  have  some  pet  theory  to  support.  It 
is  evident  from  a  thousand  circumstances,  that 
they  often  reason  a-priori  from  cause  to  con- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  35 

sequences,  providently  managing  with  a  constant 
aim  for  future  comfort,  convenience  and  necessity. 

Let  us  now  recur  to  other  facts  of  nidifkation. 
The  nest  being  completed,  which  is  ordinarily  the 
case  in  five  days,  a  short  time  intervenes  prior  to 
oviposition.  But  a  single  ovum  is  deposited  daily. 
After  the  full  complement  of  eggs  is  laid,  the 
female  immediately  assumes  the  duties  of  incuba- 
tion, which  happen  in  the  beginning  of  June,  and 
continue  for  a  period  ranging  from  12  to  13  days. 
The  male  bird  seldom  departs  any  considerable 
distance  from  his  partner,  except  to  provide 
himself  and  her  with  food;  but  we  have  never 
known  him  to  relieve  her  during  incubation. 
Should  any  being  approach  the  nest,'  he  assails 
the  intruder  with  commendable  boldness.  Various 
species  of  serpents,  particularly  the  black-snake, 
the  Bascanion  constrictor  of  naturalists,  have  a  de- 
cided penchant  for  the  eggs  of  the  Cat  Bird.  On 
occasions  of  visits  from  these  snakes,  the  birds 
heedless  of  their  own  safety,  frequently  fly  into  the 
very  jaws  of  their,  enemy.  In  the  case  of  a  human 
foe,  knowing  that  resistance  would  be  futile,  they 
seek  to  deter  him  from  any  supposed  attack  by  the 
most  discordant  cries  and  frantic  gestures. 

The  young  are  not  very  fastidious.  Earthworms, 
spiders,  diptera,  caterpillars  of  non-irritating  prop- 
erties, together  with  such  berries  as  the  season 
affords,  constitute  their  fare.  In  about  12  days 
after  being  hatched,  the  young  leave  the  nest,  and 
.in  6  days  more  are  ready  to  be  initiated  into  the 


36  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   BIRDS 

mysteries  of  flight.  The  duties  of  preceptor 
necessarily  devolve  upon  the  male-parent.  A 
single  brood  is  reared  in  a  season.  The  young 
are  the  objects  of  parental  solicitude  long  after 
they  are  fitted  to  look  after  their  own  welfare. 
The  autumnal  stay  of  this  species  is  of  short 
duration.  It  generally  retires  to  the  sunny  South 
during  the  latter  part  of  September. 

The  eggs  are  ordinarily  four  in  number,  and  of 
a  uniform  deep  bluish-green  color.  They  measure 
.97  in  length  and  .68  of  an  inch  in  width. 

There  is  one  trait  which  detracts  from  the 
character  of  this  species.  Of  an  exceedingly 
jealous  and  selfish  nature,  it  persecutes  in  the  most 
violent  manner,  other  species  which  chance  has 
brought  within  its  territory.  Not  unlike  the  Blue 
Jay,  it  has  a  passion  for  fresh  eggs  and  will  not 
scruple  to  tear  from  their  nests  the  young  of 
other  species  during  the  temporary  absence  of 
the  parent-birds.  It  is  a  constant  source  of  an- 
noyance to  the  Robin  as  we  well  know.  An 
overweening  love  for  its  young  has  doubtless 
superinduced  this  passion ;  the  destruction  of  the 
young  of  other  species,  doubtless  augmented  its 
chances  of  preservation  in  the  "struggle  for 
existence."  From  this  habit  has  originated,  it 
seems  to  us,  the  appropriation  of  the  eggs  and 
young  of  other  birds  as  articles  of  diet. 

Harporhynchus  rufus,  Cabanis. 
A  reference  to  my  notes  reveals  the  fact  that 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA,  3  7 

this  somewhat  retired  species,  which  in  popular 
parlance  is  designated  the  Brown  Thrasher,  re- 
visits its  accustomed  haunts  in  the  beginning  of 
May.  Though  a  lover  of  sequestered  localities,  it 
does  not  necessarily  follow  that  it  is  a  shy  species. 
We  cannot  perceive  that  it  is  more  timid  than 
Turdus  mustelines y  which  commonly  builds  within 
the  trees  that  grace  our  lawns.  Though  it  delights 
chiefly  in  waste  grounds  overgrown  with  brier 
bushes,  and  heavily-timbered  regions  with  a  dense 
underbrush,  it  nevertheless  lacks  timidity,  and 
permits  near  approaches  without  exhibiting  the 
slightest  fear. 

In  early  spring,  the  males  are  slightly  rasorial. 
They  may  often  be  seen  scratching  away  the 
leaves  that  repose  upon  the  soil,  for  insects  and 
seeds.  It  is  arboreal  as  well,  seldom  visiting  the 
tops  of  lofty  trees,  but  mainly  foraging  among  the 
leaves  of  shrubbery. 

Like  most  of  its  congeners,  it  is  highly  insect- 
ivorous. An  examination  of  the  stomachs  of 
many  individuals  shows  that  its  diet  during  the 
first  three  or  four  weeks  of  its  visit,  is  of  a 
coleopterous  character.  We  have  found  the  re- 
mains of  HarpcUus  pcnsylvanicus,  H.  compar, 
Cratonychus  cinereus,  Lachnostcrna  quercina,  Tene- 
brio  molitor,  Scaritcs  subtcrraneus,  Pangus  caligi- 
nosus,  Cetonia  inda,  Chlcenius  sericeus  and  Platynus 
cupripennis.  Among  other  types  were  noticed 
Formica  sanguineus,  CEdipoda  sulphured,  CE. 
nebulosa,  Caloptenus  femur-rubrum ;  later  in  the 


38  LIFE-HISTORIES  OF   BIRDS 

season,  the  larvae  of  Anisopteryx  vernata,  Eufitckia 
ribearia  and  others  of  the  same  family,  Clisiocampa 
Americana,  Gortyna  zees,  Colias  philodice,  Har- 
risina  Americana,  Callosamia  pomonella,  besides 
mature  forms  of  the  Tortricids,  Tineids  and  Noc- 
tuids,  which  are  eagerly  hunted  and  devoured 
with  a  gusto.  Various  berries  contribute  no  mean 
portion  of  its  diet.  The  wild-cherry,  Rubus  villo- 
sus,  Viburnum  Lentago,  Jimiperus  Virginiana  and 
y.  communis  constitute  great  luxuries. 

Pairing  begins  about  the  25th  of  May;  but  a 
week  elapses  before  a  suitable  locality  is  se- 
selected  for  nesting  purposes.  .  Ordinarily  a  brier- 
bush  is  chosen  as  the  site  of  a  nest.  A  pile  of 
brush,  as  affirmed  by  Dr.  Brewer,  is  occasionally 
made  the  site  of  a  nest.  In  one  instance,  we  dis- 
covered a  nest  snugly  hid  away  among  the 
accumulated  leaves  within  a  patch  of  brier-bushes. 
This  fabric  reposed  upon  the  bare  soil,  and  was 
so  artfully  concealed,  that  its  presence  would  have 
escaped  detection,  had  not  the  authors  unwittingly 
revealed  its  whereabouts  by  their  worried  move- 
ments and  piteous  cries. 

We  have  never  observed  this  species  to  build 
in  close  proximity  to  human  habitations.  More 
remote  situations  are,  however,  preferred.  After 
the  selection  of  a  suitable  site,  both  birds  set 
diligently  to  work  until  a  nest  is  completed, 
which  is  the  result  or  four  of  five  days'  steady 
labor.  In  size,  the  nest  is  nearly  equal  to  that  of 
the  Red-shouldered  Black  Bird,  Agelaius  phosni- 


6F   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  39 

,  and  like  the  same  is  rudely  constructed,  but 
lacks  its  compactness.  la  "North  American 
Birds"  by  Baird,  Brewer,  and  Ridgway,  it  is  posi- 
tively affirmed  that  the  "base  is  usually  made  of 
coarse  twigs,  sticks  and  ends  of  branches,  firmly 
interwoven." 

A  fair  sample  which  we  have  beside  us,  and 
which  may  be  considered  as  the  normal  type  in 
our  latitude,  presents  considerable  variation. 
Dry  leaves  of  Quercus,  Fagits  and  Castanet 
sparingly,  with  the  culms  and  leaf-blades  of  Phleiun 
pratense  the  common  Timothy,  and  other  grami- 
naceous plants,  in  abundance,  constitute  its  basis. 
These  are  slightly  interwoven;  but  the  firmness 
of  the  fabric  is  due  in  a  great  measure  to  the 
previous  condition  of  the  materials  utilized. 
Moistened  with  water  and  plastered  with  mud, 
they  become  firmly  agglutinated  so  as  to  require 
great  effort  to  detach  them  from  the  fabric. 
Sticks  are  but  seldom  used.  The  inside  is  lined 
with  the  stems  of  fine  grasses,  having  a  weather- 
beaten  appearance.  Its  thickness  which  is  nearly 
i  y±  inches,  adds  very  materially  to  its  firmness. 

Oviposition  is  closely  attendant  upon  nidification, 
and  lasts  nearly  a  week.  In  the  performance  of 
the  duties  of  incubation,  the  male  takes  no  direct 
share.  Indirectly  he  aids  in  providing  his  partner 
with  food,  and  in  exercising  a  rigid  surveillance 
over  the  nest.  The  period  of  incubation  ranges 
from  1 3  to  14  days.  It  is  worthy  of  remark  in  this 
connection,  that  the  time  depends  in  an  appreci- 
able degree  upon  atmospheric  mutations. 


4O  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

The  male-parent  during  the  breeding  season  is 
bold  and  daring,  and  wreaks  instant  vengeance 
upon  any  feathered  creature  whom  presumption 
and  curiosity  may  have  brought  within  his  territory. 
Both  parents  are  extremely  fond  of  their  progeny, 
and  sedulous  in  their  attentions. 

The  larvae  of  beetles  and  lepidoptera  constitute 
their  early  diet.  The  grubs  of  Lachnosterna 
quercina,  L.  hirticula,  Cr atony chus  cinereus,  Cotalpa 
lanigera,  and  the  caterpillars  of  Anisopteryx  ver- 
nata,  Eufitchia  ribearia,  Gortyna  zece,  Pieris  rapcz, 
with  mature  forms  of  Tortricids  and  Tineids,  dip- 
tera,  and  the  ordinary  earthworm,  are  notable  ar- 
ticles of  food  for  the  young. 

We  have  never  known  more  than  a  single  brood 
to  be  raised  in  a  season.  The  young  are  the 
objects  of  parental  care  long  after  they  are 
able  to  supply  their  own  necessities. 

The  eggs  are  ordinarily  four,  sometimes  five  in 
number;  but  never  more,  according  to  our  ex- 
perience. The  ground-color  is  white,  and  marked 
with  reddish-brown  spots  which  are  confluent  at 
the  larger  end.  In  some  specimens  these  dots 
constitute  a  broader  annulus  around  the  crown. 
Dr.  Brewer  affirms  that  the  ground-color  is  some- 
times a  light  green.  We  have  never  observed 
this  variety  in  the  many  specimens  which  we  have 
seen  and  examined.  Their  length  varies  from 
,98  to  1. 1 2  inches,  with  a  mean  of  1.05.  Their 
breadth  ranges  from  .77  to  .87  of  an  inch;  the 
mean  being  .82. 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA,  4! 

The  Brown  Thrasher  possesses  great  beauty 
and  variety  of  song,  which  is  uttered  in  a  loud, 
clear  and  emphatic  manner.  It  is  never  imitative, 
and  can  be  easily  recognized  when  once  heard. 
It  is  a  steady  performer  and  sings  for  hours  at  a 
time  without  changing  its  posture.  When  in  the 
full  glory  of  song,  the  presence  of  a  human  being 
upon  the  scene,  does  not  divert  its  attention  one 
tittle  from  the  performance.  The  following  sylla- 
bles will  express  its  song  with  as  much  accuracy  as 
is  possible  for  pen  to  do : — twe-twit-fweet,  tl-weet- 
tur,  knn,  fc/nknni,  twa-tur,  kaw-kaw-kaw-kwa, 
tchku-ku-ku-,  twlnn-lwlt,  keah-kl,  kwer-ku-oo,  k&r- 
ker-ker-tsi,  che-che-che,  te-te-wa,  pee-pee-pee,  tse-tse- 
tse,  kee-wa-ka-te-oo-te-oo,  ka-wa,  keon,  koo-koo,  t'wa- 
weet,  td-kare-ke-wct,  pec-wee-ie-tl-wah-te,  te-w&h-tly 
tzveet,  &c. 

At  no  time  is  this  bird  gregarious  in  the  strict 
sense  of  the  word.  It  arrives  singly  and  departs 
as  it  came.  When  the  breeding  period  is  over, 
the  ties  which  bound  the  sexes  become  dissolved, 
and  an  overweening  love  for  self,  triumphs  over 
every  other  feeling.  The  period  of  departure 
varies  with  meteorological  and  dietetic  changes, 
An  abundance  of  food-stuffs  prolongs  its  stay, 
while  a  paucity,  on  the  other  hand,  perceptibly 
diminishes  it.  Ordinarily  its  retirement  takes 
place  in  the  early  part  of  October. 


CHAPTER    II. 
Family  Saxicolidae.    Stone-chats  and  Bhie  Birds. 

The  species  comprehended  in  the  above  family 
are  chiefly  residents  of  the  Old  World.  It  is , 
represented  in  North  America  by  one  European 
straggler,  the  White-ear  .or  Stone-chat,  which 
reaches  the  Atlantic  coast  via  Greenland,  and  the 
North  Pacific  by  way  of  Asia;  and  the  familiar 
Blue  Birds  which  are  placed  in  the  genus  Sialia 
of  Swainson.  Out  of  the  three  species  which 
inhabit  this  Continent,  but  one  inhabits  the  United 
States  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  .  Of  the 
others  one  is  an  Arctic,  and  the  other  a  Western 
species. 

Sialia  Sialis,  Baird. 

The  Blue  Bird  claims  more  than  a  passing 
notice.  By  its  confidence  and  familiarity  it  wins 
our  favor  and  esteem;  and  few  species  are  more 
encouraged  to  build  in  our  yards  and  orchards. 
While  the  Robin  and  Orioles  do  immense  service 
in  the  destruction  of  numberless  insects  of  inju- 
rious habits,  they  offset  this  good  character  in  a 
measure,  by  the  mischief  which  they  commit  to 
our  fruit-trees  in  nipping  the  tender  stamens  and 
juicy  ovaries  of  the  blossoms,  which  they  relish 
with  apparent  satisfaction.  Not  so  with  the  sub- 
ject of  the  present  sketch.  We  can  heartily 
recommend  it  as  the  non-possessor  of  such  an 
unenviable  trait. 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA,  43 

A  very  early  visitor,  we  have  often  observed  it 
about  the  middle  of  February,  while  the  ground 
was  covered  with  snow,  returned  from  its  winter 
home,  to  enjoy  once  more  the  delights  and  asso- 
ciations of  its  northern  habitat.  So  warmly  at- 
tached to  the  place  in  which  it  has  successfully 
reared  its  tender  broods,  it  returns  thither,  year 
after  year,  unless  driven  2w&y  per  force. 

Its  soft  and  plaintive  notes,  produced  in  a  minor 
key,  are  singularly  pleasing,  and  awaken  a  sym- 
pathetic feeling  in  the  bosom  of  relentless  man. 
The  following  syllabic  language  is  a  nearly  accu- 
rate representation  of  the  male's  song,  during  the 
season  of  courting: — -t&r-r-f-r-wd,  tur-wuh-tur-r- 
r-wa,  tiir-r-r-tiweet.  His  movements  while  thus 
engaged  are  perfectly  amusing;  after  entertaining 
the  female  awhile  with  his  best  performance,  he 
makes  a  few  graceful  movements  in  front  of 
her,  and  then  alights  to  ascertain  what  effect  has 
been  produced  upon  her.  This  is  repeated  at 
regular  intervals,  until  the  female  becomes  so 
impressed  with  his  charms,  that  she  is  led  a  will- 
ing captive. 

The  love  of  offspring  is  so  strong  and  predomi- 
nant, that  building-operations  are  frequently  com- 
menced as  early  as  the  ipth  of  March.  For  the  site 
of  a  nest,  a  decayed  branch,  the  deserted  nest  of  a 
Woodpecker,  or  a  box  which  has  been  put  up  for 
its  accommodation,  is  generally  selected.  In  a  few 
instances  the  security  which  the  above  places  afford 
has  not  been  taken  advantage  of.  Nests  have 


44  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

been   found  by  us,  securely  located  within   the 
forked  branch  of  an  apple-tree. 

Why  should  the  Blue  Bird  select  a  hollow  or 
perforated  limb  for  its  nest?  The  answer  to  this 
query  is  not  far  to  reach.  Being  an  early  visitor, 
such  situations  secure  the  requisite  warmth  and 
shelter  for  the  eggs  and  young.  They  also 
guarantee  protection  from  rapacious  birds.  But 
other  species  of  equal  size  and  less  brave,  nidificate 
in  open  and  exposed  situations,  without  encounter- 
ing more  than  ordinary  opposition.  The  bright 
azure  blue  of  the  female,  which  is  triflingly  less 
than  that  of  her  partner,  would  render  her  a  con- 
spicuous object  to  the  keen  gaze  of  rapacious 
birds.  Therefore,  to  insure  security  against 
attack,  advantage  has  been  wisely  taken  of 
hollows  in  the  trunks  and  branches  of  trees. 

The  female  Indigo  Bird  contrasts  as  favorably 
with  the  male.  Now  this  species  constructs  its 
nest  in  thick  brier-bushes  ordinarily,  and  fares 
equally  well.  May  not  such  bushes  secure  the 
same  protection?  We  think  they  do. 

From  facts  which  we  shall  shortly  present,  we 
incline  to  the  opinion  that  in  primitive  times, 
hollow  trees  were  more  generally  chosen  than  at 
present,  on  account  of  the  security  which  they 
guaranteed  against  the  predacious  attacks  of  birds 
and  the  inclemency  of  the  weather.  Sialia  Mexi- 
cana,  the  nearest  relative  of  our  eastern  species, 
according  to  the  authorities  of  Drs.  Cooper  and 
Kennedy,  are  common  in  our  Western  Territories 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  45 

during  the  months  of  November,  December,  and 
January.  During  the  rigor  of  these  months  it 
cannot  be  doubted  but  that  the  species  discovers 
in  hollow  trees  the  warmth  and  shelter  which  it 
requires.  Many  of  our  winter  denizens  select 
similar  situations  in  order  to  escape  the  cold.  It 
is  worthy  of  remark  here,  that  these  to  a  consider- 
able extent,  nidificate  in  like  situations.  We  might 
instance  Lophophanes  bicolor,  Parus  atricapillus, 
Certhia  Americana,  Sitta  Carolinensis,  and  the 
Picidce  as  dwelling  in  hollow  trees  during  the 
inclemency  of  winter,  and  utilizing  similar  situa- 
tions for  nesting-purposes. 

From  these  data  we  argue  that  our  eastern 
species  of  Blue  Bird,  learned  to  build  in  hollow 
trees  by  first  using  such  places  for  shelter  during 
the  inclemency  of  weather  which  prevailed  on 
their  early  arrival;  and  perceiving  the  comfort  and 
convenience  of  such  situations,  have  come  to 
regard  them  as  appropriate  quarters  for  nesting- 
purposes.  Thus  what  was  merely  accidental,  has 
become  intuitive  and  habitual. 

Coming  back  from  this  digression,  after  a 
judicious  selection  of  locality,  the  birds  set  to 
work  to  collect  nesting-materials.  Soft  grasses, 
hair,  feathers,  and  wool  when  the  latter  is  obtain- 
able, are  gathered  and  arranged  with  little  regard 
to  design.  The  time  required  seldom  exceeds 
five  days  at  the  utmost.  Shortly  after  the  com- 
pletion of  the  nest,  oviposition  commences;  the 
usual  complement  of  eggs  being  laid  within  a 


46  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   BIRDS 

week.  The  male  occasionally  relieves  his  partner 
of  the  duties  of  incubation.  When  not  thus 
engaged,  he  is  very  attentive  to  her  slightest 
wishes,  and  often  cheers  the  monotony  of  her  task 
by  a  soft,  agreeable  warble.  He  is  also  now  very 
jealous.  Not  a  bird  is  permitted  to  trespass  upon 
his  premises;  even  individuals  of  the  same  species 
are  treated  with  the  same  incivility. 

For  his  tenderness  and  devotion  to  his  partner, 
the  male  is  unsurpassed.  We  were  once  a  witness 
of  the  endeavors  of  a  pair  of  Robins  to  take  forci- 
ble possession  of  an  apple-tree  in  which  a  pair  of 
Blue  Birds  had  located  themselves,  After  re- 
peated efforts  they  were  compelled  to  abandon 
the  purpose.  The  cavity  which  the  Blue  Birds 
occupied,  had  been  in  survice  for  five  years;  but 
whether  or  not  by  the  same  birds,  we  are  unable 
to  say;  but  judging  from  the  strong  attachment 
which  the  species  ordinarily  possesses  for  the  scenes 
of  past  associations,  as  evidenced  by  recorded 
instances,  we  feel  safe  in  concluding,  that  either 
the  same  pair  or  some  of  its  progeny  had  held 
it  during  the  aforementioned  time. 

One  of  the  most  inveterate  foes  with  which  the 
Blue  Bird  has  to  contend,  is  the  mischievous  and 
half-provoking  House  Wren,  the  Troglodytes 
sEdon  of  Vicillot.  While  the  former  is  absent, 
it  enters  the  nest  and  either  despoils  it,  or  ejects 
the  materials  and  remains  in  possession. 

We  have  known  three  broods  to  be  reared  in  a 
single  season,  When  the  nest  has  been  befouled 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  47 

by  the  first  brood,  the  soiled  materials  are  thrown 
out,  and  a  fresh  supply  introduced.  Sitting  com- 
mences about  the  25th  of  May,  and  lasts  until  the 
5th  of  June;  thus  making  the  period  of  incubation 
between  1 1  and  1 2  days. 

The  young  when  hatched  are  alternately  fed  by 
each  parent.  Their  food  consists  of  earthworms, 
diptera,  coleopterous  and  lepidopterous  larvae, 
with  berries  occasionally  when  in  season.  As 
they  increase  in  size  and  strength,  their  bill  of  fare 
is  augmented.  Beetles  and  moths  of  the  smaller 
kinds  are  in  great  demand. 

When  the  young  birds  are  nearly  able  to  shift 
for  themselves,  they  are  entrusted  to  the  care  of 
the  male,  while  the  female  busies  herself  in  pre 
paring  for  a  second  brood.  Thus  it  happens  that 
the  male  is  charged  with  double  duty.  Upon  him 
devolve  the  maintenance  of  his  mate  and  the 
care  of  the  older  children.  On  their  arrival,  the 
Blue  Birds  subsist  principally  upon  insect-food, 
yet  the  few  remaining  berries  of  the  cedar  and 
common-juniper  which  may  be  clinging  to  their 
branchlets,  together  with  the  seeds  of  Chenopo- 
dium  album,  Amarantus  a^is,  A.  hybridus,  and 
others,  are  keenly  relished.  In  the  stomachs  of 
several  individuals  we  have  discovered  traces  of 
Pangus  caliginosus,  Harpahis  pensylvanicus,  Pla- 
tynus  cupripennis,  Cr atony  chus  cinereiis  among 
beetles;  CEdipoda  sulphurea,  CE.  neb^dosa  among 
orthoptera,  besides  ants  and  earthworms.  As  the 
season  advances,  Musca  domestica,  Tabamis  lineola, 


48  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

Stomoxys  calcitrans,  Scatophago  furcata,  and 
the  smaller  dipterous  forms  which  swarm  in  the 
atmosphere  and  in  humid  situations;  the  small 
Noctuids  which  welcome  returning  spring  the  first, 
and  which  delight  in  waste  ground  and  thickets; 
the  Jortridds  and  Tineids  together  with  the  larvae 
of  Eufitchia  ribearia,  Anisopteryx  vernata,  Gortyna 
zece,  Harrisina  Americana,  many  of  the  Agroti 
or  Cut-worms,  Pieris  rapce,  Colias  philodice,  and 
others. 

For  two  weeks  after  its  arrival  it  frequents  the 
borders  of  thickets  and  waste  fields.  Its  habits 
are  then  terrestrial  and  gregarious.  But  as  the 
season  advances  and  the  trees  become  clothed  in 
beautiful  green  foliage,  it  deserts  its  former  haunts 
for  the  habitations  of  man.  The  change  is 
evidently  determined  by  the  question  of  food. 

The  flight  of  the  Blue  Bird  is  low,  less  firm  than 
the  Robin's,  and  but  slightly  sustained. 

The  exceptional  nest  to  which  we  referred 
above,  is  composed  externally  of  a  few  leaves, 
fragments  of  tendrils  of  the  vine,  stems  of  grasses 
and  of  a  species  otSinapis,  and  horse  hair,  variously 
intermingled.  Internally  there  was  noticeable, 
stems  of  Chenopodium,  slender  grasses,  stems  of 
a  species  of  Poa  with  the  seeds  attached,  and  an 
intermixture  of  wool. 

An  interesting  episode  in  the  life  of  this 
species  cannot  be  out  of  place.  A  friend  having 
placed  a  tomato-can  upon  an  upright  post  to 
attract  some  passing  avis,  was  amply  rewarded  by 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  49 

seeing  a  pair  of  the  Great-crested  Flycatchers 
occupy  it.  A  nest  was  soon  constructed  of  leaves, 
feathers,  and  human  hair,  and  the  ordinary  com- 
plement of  eggs  deposited. 

At  this  crisis,  a  pair  of  Blue  Birds  came  upon 
the  scene,  and  sought  to  expel  the  rightful 
occupants.  The  Flycatchers  made  a  determined 
resistance.  The  property-owner  wishing  to  pre- 
serve the  latter,  shot  the  female  Blue  Bird,  think- 
ing to  put  an  end  to  the  disturbance.  The 
male  instantly  abandoned  the  contest  and  flew 
away.  In  less  than  a  half-hour  he  returned 
with  two  females  and  renewed  the  contest. 
Victory  was  soon  decided  in  favor  of  the  Blue 
Birds.  (  The  Flycatchers,  however,  did  not  retire 
until  they  had  thrown  out  the  nesting-materials,  a 
portion  of  which  they  afterwards  carried  away  to 
1  use  elsewhere. 

After  the  defeat  of  the  Flycatchers,  the  male 
Blue  Bird  instantly  selected  a  partner  from  his 
aids;  the  unfortimate  female  retiring  into  the 
obscurity  whence  she  came.  This  fact  shows  that 
there  are  females  which  necessity  compels  to  lead 
lives  of  solitude,  and  which  only  enter  into  matri- 
monial relationship  on  the  creation  of  vacancies. 
The  same  may  be,  doubtless,  said  of  the  males. 
Or  there  may  be  males  and  females  which  prefer 
a  life  of  celibacy. 

The  proprietor  of  the  premises,  perceiving  a 
strong  predilection  upon  the  part  of  the  Blue 
Birds  for  the  can,  determined  to  annoy  them  awhile, 
3  D 


5O  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   BIRDS 

to  ascertain  the  effect  of  such  treatment.  He, 
therefore,  fastened  a  lath  over  the  aperture  of  the 
can,  and  retired  to  a  short  distance  to  watch  the 
result.  The  birds  went  to  work,  and  by  their  per- 
severing efforts,  the  piece  was  soon  dislodged.  All 
hindrances  being  now  out  of  the  way,  they  applied 
themselves  diligently  to  work,  and  in  a  short  time 
raised  a  brood  of  five  young  birds.  On  this  occa- 
sion it  was  discovered  that  the  young  were  fed 
almost  exclusively  upon  the  larvae  of  Pieris  olera- 
ce<z,  P.  rapce,  and  the  wingless  bodies  of  Spilosoma 
Virginica. 

The  eggs  of  the  Blue  Bird  are  usually  four  in 
number;  sometimes  we  have  observed  nests  with 
five.  They  are  of  a  uniform  pale  blue,  measuring 
about  .82  of  an  inch  in  length  by  .61  in  breadth. 

After  the  breeding  period  is  over,  preparatory 
to  migration,  the  birds  collect  in  small  parties  and 
feed  indiscriminately  upon  the  seeds  of  Panicum 
capillare,  Poa  annua,  berries  of  Juniperus  Virgini- 
ana,  diptera,  and  the  larvae  and  imagos  of  small 
lepidoptera.  They  are  now  more  arboreal  than 
in  the  spring,  frequenting  small  trees  and  bushes, 
but  are  never  known  to  seek  the  topmost  boughs 
of  lofty  trees. 

Among  the  earliest  of  our  vernal  migrants,  they 
are  among  the  latest  to  return  in  the  autumn. 
Their  departure  is  quite  variable,  depending  upon 
climatic  and  dietetic  causes.  During  unfavorable 
autumns,  their  presence  has  been  missed  by  the 
last  of  September;  but,  when  the  weather  has  been 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  5! 

very  propitious,  and  there  is  an  abundance  of 
food-stuffs  in  consequence,  the  migration  has  been 
delayed  until  the  middle  of  October. 

Family  Sylviidse.     Sylvias. 

The  birds  constituting  this  large  family  are 
chiefly  denizens  of  the  Old  World,  but  sparingly 
represented  in  the  New.  Three  subfamilies  occur 
in  North  America;  one  of  them,  Polioptilince, 
peculiar  to  this  country,  was  formerly  associated 
with  the  Paridce,  with  which  it  has  no  special 
affinity;  another,  Regulince,  is  merely  warblers  with 
booted  tarsi ;  a  third,  Sylviina>  constitutes  an  im- 
mense assemblage  of  more  than  five  hundred 
recorded  species.  The  SylmiHd?,  the  typical  Old 
World  warblers,  is  represented  in  North  America 
by  a  single  Asiatic  waif,  Kennicott's  Sylvia,  which 
was  discovered  by  Dall  in  our  newly  acquired 
territory  of  Alaska. 

Subfamily  Regulinae.     Kinglets. 

There  are  about  ten  species  of  the  following 
genus  resident  in  Europe,  Asia,  and  America;  two 
of  them  are  quite  abundant  in  our  woods  and 
orchards. 

Regulus  calendulus,  Licht. 

The  Ruby-crowned  Kinglet  as  the  above 
species  is  popularly  designated,  is  a  permanent 
resident  in  this  latitude.  It  is  an  exceedingly 
active  creature,  and  has  been  observed  by  us  from 
early  October  until  the  dawn  of  June.  During 


52  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

the  dreary  winter-months,  it  frequents  the  pine- 
forests  along  the  Wissahickon,  where  it  meets 
with  food  and  shelter.  Several  years  of  experience 
have  convinced  us  that  hills  with  a  southern 
exposure  are  more  particularly  chosen. 

It  delights  in  the  company  of  Regulus  satrapa, 
Lophophanes,   bicolor,   Parus   atricapillus,    Certhia 
familiaris,  Sitta  Carolinensis,  and  Anorthura  tro- 
glodytes wrhich  are  common  in  similar  situations. 

Whilst  feeding,  it  is  the  very  impersonation  of 
agility.  Its  movements  contrast  most  strikingly 
with  its  less  active  congener,  the  Golden-crowned 
Kinglet.  The  tallest  tree-tops  are  its  delight, 
where  it  may  be  observed  during  the  entire  day, 
probing  within  their  fissured  bark  for  the  eggs  and 
images  of  insects,  as  the  small  Picidce  and  Cer- 
thiidfe  do ;  occasionally,  it  may  be  seen  suspended 
head  downward  from  the  nether  surface  of  a  hori- 
zontal branch,  after  the  fashion  of  the  little  Black- 
capped  Titmouse.  On  occasions  of  feeding,  its 
movements  are  hurried;  scarcely  remaining  a 
minute  in  the  same  situation,  but  moving  from 
branch  to  branch,  and  from  tree  to  tree  with 
commendable  zeal. 

Its  flight  is  ordinarily  elevated,  firm,  and  well 
sustained.  In  the  spring  it  descends  from  its  lofty 
eminences,  to  the  low  trees  and  shrubbery  along 
water-courses.  It  is  now  less  retired,  and  is  a 
common  visitor  to  our  lawns  and  gardens,  attracted 
to  such  places  by  the  maple  and  cherry-blooms 
that  afford  convenient  lurking-places  for  the  small 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  53 

insects  upon  which  it  feeds.  We  think  that  the 
tender  stamens  and  unripe  ovaries  receive  their 
share  of  attention.  Indeed,  we  are  confirmed  in 
this  belief,  by  the  discovery  of  these  floral  organs 
within  the  stomachs  of  several  individuals. 

In  the  intervals  of  feeding,  and  also  when  an- 
noyed, we  are  reminded  of  its  presence  by  a  loud, 
sharp,  rattling  noise,  repeated  at  irregular  intervals, 
and  in  a  hurried,  excited  manner.  These  notes 
may  be  expressed  with  considerable  accuracy  by 
the  syllables  kl-kl-kl-kl  pitched  in  a  moderately 
high  key,  and  gradually  increasing  in  intonation 
to  the  close.  The  song  of  this  Kinglet  is  affirmed 
to  be  an  agreeable  ditty,  neither  lacking  power 
nor  variety;  it  is  but  occasionally  heard,  and  then 
just  a  brief  time  before  its  retirement  from -.the 
busy  haunts  of  civilized  life. 

Its  food  varies  with  the  seasons.  During  the 
winter  it  feeds  upon  the  seeds  of  grasses,  with  the 
few  insects  which  it  manages  to  extract  from 
creviced  bark.  The  berries  of  the  common-juniper 
and  th.£  seeds  of  Amarantus  hybridus,  Ambrosia 
artemisicefolia,  and  various  Paniciims,  constitute  its 
vegetable  diet.  In  the  spring,  it  is  eminently 
insectivorous,  and  subsists  upon  Formica  san- 
guinea,  Casnonia  pennsylvanica  Rhynch&us  pini, 
Harpalus  compar,  Mycetocharis  basillaris,  Platy- 
nus  cupripennis,  Haltica  chalybea,  Musca  domestica, 
and  Stomoxys  calcitrans;  besides  the  ordinary 
earthworm. 

While  engaged  in  the  procurement  of  food,  it  is 


54  LiFE>HisTORi£s  OF 

very  tame  and  unsuspicious,  and  will  permit  a 
near  approach  without  manifesting  the  least  fear. 
It  has  often  exhibited  in  our  presence,  those  social 
traits  so  characteristic  of  the  House  Wren,  a  very 
distant  relative.  During  inclement  weather  and 
the  dreary  winter  nights,  it  shelters  itself  in  the 
deserted  nest  of  some  species  of  woodpecker. 
When  the  cold  is  unusually  severe,  its  presence  is 
conspicuously  scarce;  but  on  the  return  of  mild 
days,  it  is  tolerably  abundant. 

During  the  early  vernal  and  autumnal  months 
it  freely  associates  with  the  song  and  tree- 
sparrows,  and  often  condescends  to  come  down 
from  its  airy  heights,  to  grovel  with  the  latter;  and 
when  sorely  pressed  will  partake  of  the  fare  whicn 
the  kind-hearted  cook  has  thrown  out  for  her 
feathered  pets. 

We  have  been  informed  by  Mr.  John  Strouse,  of 
Chestnut  Hill,  that  males  and  lemales  of  this 
species  have  been  observed  by  him  during  every 
month  of  the  year.  \Vhen  the  warm  days  of  May 
have  returned  to  gladden  the  earth,  it  is  no  longer 
to  be  seen  in  our  yards;  but  has  retired  to  the 
gloomy  thickets  where  it  pursues  its  ever  busy  life. 
It,  doubtless,  breeds  amid  the  forests  that  crown  the 
hills  of  the  Wissahickon,  as  it  has  frequently  been 
seen  in  them  by  the  gentleman  just  referred  to, 
during  the  breeding-period. 

Much  yet  remains  to  be  learned  concerning  the 
nesting-habits  and  distribution  of  this  species 
during  the  breeding-season.  It  is  discovered  at 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  55 

varying  periods  in  all  parts  of  North  America 
from  the  Gulf  to  the  Arctic  seas,  and  from  the 
Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  ocean;  but  its  occurrence 
during  the  productive  period  in  northern  latitudes, 
indicates  with  tolerable  accuracy  the  extent  ef  its 
range.  None  of  our  ornithologists  have  ever  met 
its  eggs  and  nest,  and  are  inclined  to  believe  that 
it  constructs  a  pensile  nest  after  the  manner  of  its 
European  cousin. 

Regulus  satrapa,  Licht. 

The  Golden-crowned  Kinglet,  like  its  near  con- 
gener, whose  habits  have  just  been  described,  is 
a  permanent  resident.  It  will  be  found  to  nidifi- 
cate in  the  tall  trees  which  crown  the  hills  of  the 
stream  so  often  alluded  to,  as  individuals  of  both 
sexes  apparently  paired,  have  been  observed  under 
very  suspicious  circumstances.  When  its  nest  is 
discovered,  we  shall  venture  to  assert  that  it  will 
be  found  to  occupy  a  cavity  in  a  tree,  in  some 
solitary  locality,  which  may  be  the  reason  that  it 
has  so  long  escaped  detection. 

In  the  winter  it  is  an  occasional  companion  of 
the  preceding  species;  but  seems  to  be  more 
partial  to  the  society  of  the  little  Parus  atricapillus. 
When  the  one  is  alarmed  and  seeks  security  in 
flight,  or  is  necessitated  to  change  its  base  of  sup- 
plies, the  other  does  likewise.  On  warm  sunshiny 
days  in  mid- winter,  it  may  often  be  observed  climb- 
ing along  the  horizontal  boughs  of  a  tall  oak  or  pine, 
or  clinging  to  their  under  surfaces  in  an  inverted 


56  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

manner  with  the  pertinacity  of  a  Creeper,  in  its 
search  for  eggs  and  small  insects.  Though  a  very 
active  creature,  it  lacks,  however,  the  nimbleness 
of  its  cousin,  the  Ruby-crowned.  Scarcity  of  food 
impels  it  to  visit  our  yards,  in  the  company  of  the 
Black-cap,  where  it  derives  a  partial  subsistance 
from  the  discarded  crumbs  of  the  table. 

Within  its  natural  haunts,  it  frequents  the  light 
of  the  tallest  trees,  and  can  then  only  be 
approached  with  the  greatest  caution.  About  the 
time  the  Red  Maple  arrays  itself  in  purple  gar- 
ments, this  little  creature  may  be  seen  along  the 
borders  of  fields,  and  within  our  orchards  and 
gardens,  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  most  perfect 
felicity.  It  is  now  exceedingly  tame  and  confiden- 
tial. 

Though  chiefly  arboreal  in  its  habits  of  feeding, 
in  the  spring  it  freely  descends  from  its  aerial 
heights,  to  seek  its  food  upon  terrafirma.  The  small 
insects  which  are  attracted  by  the  blossoms  of  the 
tulip-poplar  (Liriodendron  tulipifera),  which  mani- 
fest themselves  in  early  June,  afford  it  a  rich  repast. 
The  ova  and  larvae  found  in  fissured  bark  are 
captured  with  nearly  the  skill  of  a  Creeper,  and 
relished  with  a.  gusto.  The  following  insects  have 
been  found  in  the  stomachs  of  several  individuals 
which  we  have  examined: — Cratonychus  cjnereus, 
Rhynch&us  pini,  BostricJms  pini,  Harpahis  compar, 
Platynus  cupripennis,  Donacia  metallica  Chry- 
somela  c(Kruleipennisy  besides  Formica  sanguined. 

This  species  is  an  expert  fly- catcher  and  cap- 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA,  57 

tures  insects  upon  the  wing  with  nearly  the  skill 
and  address  of  the  Wood  Pewee.  The  smaller 
diptera  and  hymenoptera  contribute  no  mean 
portion  of  its  diet. 

Its  flight  is  usually  lofty,  gracefully  undulating, 
rapid,  and  tolerably  well  sustained. 

During  its  friendly  stay  around  our  dwellings, 
the  only  notes  which  we  have  heard  it  essay  to 
utter,  may  be  happily  expressed  by  the  syllables 
tsl-tsl-tsl  pronounced  very  quickly,  rather  loudly 
and  with  a  gently  rising  intonation.  It  lacks  the 
ability  to  produce  as  powerful  a  note  as  the 
species  last  described.  Besides  the  above,  it 
possesses  a  succession  of  pleasing  sounds  which 
we  have  frequently  heard  during  the  most  in- 
clement weather  in  mid-winter,  and  which  have 
been  continued  with  scarce  an  intermission  for 
hours  together. 

But  little  is  known  respecting  its  breeding- 
habits,  and  its  nest  and  eggs  have  never  been 
described.  The  presumption  is  that  it  builds  a 
pensile  nest  like  its  European  congener,  and  lays 
eggs  finely  sprinkled  with  buff-colored  dots  upon 
a  white  ground,  and  nearly  equal  in  size  to  those 
of  the  Humming  Bird.  It  has  been  inferred  that 
two  broods  are  reared  in  a  season,  from  the  fact 
that  it  spends  so  long  a  period  in  its  summer 
abode,  and  because  full-fledged  young  were  seen 
by  Mr.  Nuttall  as  early  as  May. 

Family  Paridae.     Titmice  or  Chickadees. ' 
This  family  is    distributed   over  the  whole  of 


58  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

North  America,  but  the  crested  species  are  rather 
Southern,  and  all  but  one  is  Western.  They  are 
mostly  hardy  birds  and  endure  the  rigors  of  win- 
ter without  inconvenience,  and,  in  consequence,  are 
not  migratory;  musical  after  their  own  fashion, 
active,  restless,  and  heedless  of  the  presence  of 
man.  They  are  very  prolific,  laying  many  eggs, 
and  rearing  more  than  a  single  brood  per  season. 
The  young  closely  resemble  their  parents,  and 
there  are  seasonal  or  sexual  variations  of 
plumage. 

Subfamily  Parinae.     True  Titmice. 

With  few  exceptions,  they  are  birds  of  the 
Northern  Hemisphere,  and  abound  in  Europe, 
Asia  and  North  America.  Larger  proportion  of 
the  genera  and  species  occupy  the  Old  World; 
all  these  occur  within  our  limits,  except  Psaltri- 
parus  melanotis  and  Parus  meridional} s,  two  Mex- 
ican species,  which  have  been  recently  compre- 
hended in  our  systematic  works;  the  former  is  a 
distinctive  and  beautiful  species,  while  the  latter 
is  probably  only  a  seasonal  variety  of  Pants 
atricapillus.. 

Lophophanes  bicolor,  Bonap. 

The  habits  of  the  Crested  Titmouse  differ  very 
materially,  in  some  respects,  from  those  of  Pariis 
atricapillus.  It  is  a  solitary  and  retired  species, 
seldom  venturing  within  the  domains  of  man, 


OF   EASTERN   PENNSYLVANIA,  59 

where  its  near  ally  loves  to  congregate  with  snow- 
birds, for  the  refuse-matter  of  the  kitchen. 

The  topmost  boughs  of  the  tallest  trees  in  its 
natural  haunts,  are  its  delight,  because  there  it  is 
out  of  danger,  and  can  feed  upon  the  eggs,  larvae 
and  small  insects  which  are  found  in  creviced 
bark,  with  perfect  complacency.  It  is  very  shy 
and  can  be  approached  only  with  great  difficulty. 
In  quest  of  food,  its  movements  are  imitative  of 
the  Certhiidtz  and  Muscicapidce.  Being  very  agile, 
it  moves  along  the  branches  with  facility,  now  above 
and  then  suspended  head  downward;  and  ever 
and  anon,  darts  forward  with  the  utmost  celerity 
to  seize  some  luckless  fly  or  beetle  as  it  flits  by 
on  rapid  wings.  According  to  the  authority  of 
Mr.  Ridgway,  this  Titmouse  is  pre-eminently 
gregarious,  and  often  becomes  a  "positive  nui- 
sance" from  its  vehement  scolding  as  it  appears 
to  follow  the  hunter  in  troops  through  the 
woods.  In  our  latitude  we  have  always  found  it 
solitary.  A  noticeable  feature  is  its  protracted 
silence  in  the  intervals  of  feeding. 

Its  disposition  to  congregate  with  other  species 
of  birds,  is  chiefly  noticeable  during  the  spring 
and  autumn,  when  the  tide  of  migration  has  set 
northward.  There  are  but  few  of  our  permanent 
residents  that  are  thus  addicted.  We  have  ob- 
served that  some  which  have  always  been 
regarded  as  eminently  gregarious  in  certain 
quarters,  are  gradually  losing  this  tendency,  and 
usually  pass  the  winter  in  flocks  of  a  half  dozen 


60  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

while  foraging,  and  even  in  isolated  pairs.  The 
Kinglets  and  our  common  Chickadee  very  often 
travel  and  feed  in  pairs ;  but  the  Cedar  Bird  which 
is  a  common  as  well  as  a  variable  species,  often 
collects  in  flocks  of  fifties  and  sixties;  but  this  is 
an  exceptional  illustration.  Where  food  is 
abundant,  this  disposition  to  flock  is  easily  ac- 
counted for;  but  when  there  is  a  scarcity,  and 
only  obtainable  under  great  difficulties,  it  is  not 
strange  a  solitary  life  should  be  preferred. 

So  extremely  shy  is  this  species,  that  even  the 
slightest  rustling  of  the  forest  leaves  will  inspire 
fear  and  lead  to  its  hasty  departure.  When 
wounded  or  in  danger  of  being  captured,  the  most 
determined  opposition  is  exhibited.  With  glisten- 
ing eyes  of  anger  and  extended  claws,  it  bids 
defiance  to  its  assailants. 

Its  lack  of  song  while  dwelling  in  our  midst, 
may  possibly  be  attributed  to  the  life  of  solitude 
which  it  leads.  ,  Later,  when  the  benignant  influ- 
ences of  returning  spring  sends  the  blood  tingling 
through  its  accustomed  channels,  this  Titmouse 
will  frequently  pause  from  its  insect-pursuing 
labors,  and  essay  a  few  notes  which  are  uttered  in 
aloud  distant  manner,  and  resemble peto-peto-peto. 
We  have  never  heard  its  full  song  which  it  prob- 
ably utters  in  its  more  northern  habitat,  where  it 
delights  to  nidificate.  Mr.  Nuttall  describes  it  as 
representing  the  syllables  whip-tom-killy-killy-day- 
day-da-it-tschica-dee-dee  varied  with  kal-tee-did-did- 
did,  etc. 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  6 1 

During  inclement  weather,  it  spends  the  day 
and  night  in  hollows  of  decayed  trees  or  deserted 
holes  of  Woodpeckers,  and  in  such  localities  de- 
lights to  place  its  nest,  and  has  often  been 
known  to  excavate  a  place  in  hard  wood  for  this 
purpose.  The  nest  is  but  a  rude  lining  of  soft, 
warm  materials.  A  single  brood  is  reared  in  a 
season.  As  soon  as  fledged,  the  young  hunt  in 
common  with  their  parents  and  remain  associated 
with  them  until  spring. 

The  eggs  are  round-oval,  densely  sprinkled  with 
minute  brownish  dots,  interspersed  with  larger 
spots  of  lilac  upon  a  white  back-ground.  From 
6  to  8  constitute  a  sitting,  which  average  .74 
inches  in  length  and  .56  in  breadth. 

Its  flight  is  lofty,  moderately  firm  and  well 
sustained. 

The  food  consists  of  the  eggs,  larvae,  and  ima- 
gos  of  Cratonychus  cinereus,  and  perfect  insects, 
of  C.  pertinax,  Harpalus  pensylvanicus,  Platynus 
cupripennis,  Bostrichus  pini,  3&&  Formica  sanguinea. 
The  seeds  of  various  grasses  constitute  its  vege- 
table diet. 

Parus  atricapillus,  Linn. 

The  habits  of  the  Black-capped  Titmouse  as  this 
species  is  commonly  called,  are  so  well  known  as 
scarcely  to  need  more  than  a  passing  notice.  It 
is  a  permanent  resident  in  our  latitude.  Though 
a  lover  of  woodland  retreats  and  scenery,  it  often 
ventures  in  the  heart  of  winter  into  our  yards, 


62  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

and  ingratiates  itself  into  our  favor  and  esteem 
by  its  familiar  manners  and  winning  actions; 
becoming  so  tame  and  fearless  as  even  to  visit 
our  very  door- ways  for  the  crumbs  which  have 
fallen  from  the  table,  unheedful  of  the  near 
approach  of  human  beings.  Again,  it  will  descend 
to  the  ground  and  mingle  with  the  common  barn- 
yard fowls  for  its  share  of  cracked  corn.  If  the 
wood-house  door  is  carelessly  left  open,  it  will 
gratify  its  curiosity  by  entering,  and  having  satis- 
fied it  quietly  retire.  Its  appetite  at  these  times  is 
far  from  being  fastidious.  Almost  all  things 
edible  are  devoured  with  avidity;  even  the  bacon 
which  is  used  to  grease  the  saw,  and  which  is  a 
noticeable  feature  of  every  wood-house,  disappears 
before  its  keen  appetite. 

Within  its  sylvan  retreats  it  is  more  retired. 
Few  species  are  more  active  in  the  pursuit  of 
insects  than  the  subject  of  the  present  sketch.  It 
is  the  very  impersonation  of  agility,  and  combines 
in  a  remarkable  manner  the  twofold  character  of 
an  expert  Creeper  and  skillful  Flycatcher;  mov- 
ing circuitously  up  the  trunk  and  along  the 
horizontal  branches,  freely  suspending  itself  in  an 
inverted  manner  by  the  aid  of  its  claws,  with  the 
nimbleness  and  gracefulness  of  the  Brown 
Creeper. 

Ever  restless  it  moves  with  rapidity  from  tree 
to  tree.  Unlike  the  Crested  Titmouse,  it  generally 
travels  in  pairs  which  prove  to  be  male  and  female. 
If  either  in  its  eager  pursuit  of  food,  unknowingly 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  63 

strays  from  the  other,  as  soon  as  it  becomes  con- 
scious of  the  fact,  it  utters  its  usual  call-notes 
which  are  instantly  responded  to  by  the  other, 
when  within  hearing  distance.  A  similar  succes- 
sion of  notes  is  heard  when  a  booty  is  discovered 
to  which  it  desires  to  summon  the  other.  We  are 
informed  by  a  friend  of  considerable  experience, 
and  whose  reliability  is  unquestioned,  that  other 
species  frequently  respond  to  these  calls. 

Its  flight  is  high,  well  sustained,  and  character- 
ized by  notable  firmness  and  celerity. 

The  syllables  tschlca-dee-dee-dee  repeated  quite 
loudly  and  with  a  clear,  distinct,  and  resonant  ex- 
pression, are  often  heard  in  the  intervals  of  feeding. 
When  alarmed  even  by  the  movements  of  the 
squirrel  or  other  small  animals,  these  notes  are 
exchanged  for  the  hoarse  cries  of  day-day-day 
which  are  often  taken  up  by  many  individuals  at 
once,  producing  a  perfect  medley  of  inharmonious 
soufids. 

The  food  of  the  Black-cap  consists  principally 
of  insects.  Their  eggs,  larvae  and  imagos  are 
sought  after  and  devoured  with  avidity.  Even 
chrysalides,  however  large,  do  not  resist  its 
assaults.  The  following  beetles  constitute  a  con- 
spicuous portion  of  its  diet: — Rynchoeiis pini.Bos- 
trichus  pini,  Cr atony  chus  compar,  Chrysomela 
cczruleipennis,  Platynus  cupripennis,  Harpalus  cal- 
iginosus,  and  others.  Among  lepidoptera,  Clisio- 
campa  Americana,  Anisopteryx  vernata  and  other 
geometers,  besides  many  of  the  Noctuidcz  and 


64  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

Tortricidce,  both  in  the  larval  and  pupal  stages, 
are  eagerly  devoured. 

The  period  of  nidification  commences  during 
the  latter  part  of  April,  or  the  beginning  of  May. 
For  the  accommodation  of  a  nest,  the  hollow  of  a 
decayed  tree  is  ordinarily  selected.  When  this  is 
not  to  be  obtained,  the  birds  will  not  hesitate  at 
much  expense  of  time  and  labor,  to  excavate  one 
either  in  decayed  or  solid  wood.  We  have  never 
known  it  to  build  in  trees  in  close  proximity  to 
human  habitations,  but  always  in  well-wooded 
regions.  That  feeling  of  sociability  which  charac- 
terized the  species  during  the  inclement  weather 
of  winter,  is  now  merged  into  the  all-absorbing 
one  of  paternity. 

The  nest  is  a  warm,  soft,  felted  mass  of  hair  and 
fur  of  small  quadrupeds  and  down  of  birds;  fine, 
dry  grasses  and  mosses  line  the  cavity,  which  are 
placed  and  contracted  into  a  purse-like  opening 
when  the  cavity  is  unnecessarily  large. 

The  period  of  incubation  has  not  been  definitely 
determined,  but  we  are  inclined  to  the  opinion 
that  it  does  not  exceed  10  days.  The  young  birds 
are  objects  of  the  tenderest  solicitude  upon  the 
parental  part.  When  the  nest  is  assailed  by  other 
than  human  enemies,  the  most  determined  perti- 
tinacity  and  bravery  are  displayed;  but  in  the 
case  of  a  human  foe,  the  parents  remain  silent 
and  passive  spectators  of  the  violence  committed. 
A  single  brood  is  raised  in  a  season,  according  to 
our  experience;  although  some  ornithologists 
consider  the  species  double-brooded. 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  65 

The  eggs  never  exceed  eight  in  number.  The 
ground-color  is  white,  with  reddish-brown  marks 
which  are  sometimes  gathered  into  a  ring  around 
the  larger  end;  in  others,  the  spots  equally  dis- 
tributed over  the  entire  surface.  Length  on  an 
average  is  .58  inches  and  width  .46. 

A  singular  degree  of  affection  subsists  between 
the  sexes,  which  is  marked  by  the  most  endearing 
attentions  and  earnest  efforts  to  promote  each 
other's  happiness. 

We  have  remarked  that  in  severe  winters  some 
individuals  forsake  their  natural  haunts,  driven 
by  necessity  for  those  of  man,  but  afterwards  re- 
turn thither  on  the  approach  of  mild  weather; 
but  in  the  last  great  work  on  the  birds  of  North 
America,  we  are  told  that  a  post  or  hollow  tree 
contiguous  to  human  habitations,  are  occasionally 
selected  for  nidificating  purposes.  This  fact  does 
not  accord  with  our  experience.  Perhaps,  in  cer- 
tain sections  where  the  forests  have  disappeared 
before  the  face  of  an  advancing  civilization,  this  is 
the  case;  but,  in  situations  where  nature  has  not 
been  interfered  with,  and  still  retains  its  primitive 
form  and  grandeur,  the  old  order  of  things  pre- 
vails, obviously,  for  the  security  thus  afforded. 
Such  situations  almost  in  immediate  presence  of 
man,  once  chosen,  would  continue  to  be  occupied 
so  long  as  the  conditions  of  the  environment  re- 
main unaltered. 

Family  Sittidae.     ^tthatches. 
These  birds  differ  in  so  many  particulars  from 


66  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

the  Creepers  and  Titmice,  with  both  of  which  they 
have  been  affiliated,  that  Dr.  Elliott  Coues  pre- 
ferred to  give  them  an  independent  family  rank. 
They  are  the  most  active  and  adroit  of  creepers, 
and  scramble  about  and  hang  in  every  conceivable 
position,  and  even  without  the  support  of  the  tail, 
but  by  the  aid  of  the  entire  tarsus.  They  are 
principally  insectivorous,  but  readily  subsist  on 
hard  fruits,  and  receive  their  English  appellation 
from  their  habit  of  fastening  nuts  and  seeds  in 
the  crevices  of  bark  and  hammering  with  the  bill 
until  broken.  They  are  active,  restless,  and  soci- 
able creatures,  and  chiefly  gregarious. 

This  family  contains  no  less  than  30  species; 
among  them  exists  a  single  remarkable  Madagas- 
car form,  Hyphcrpes;  the  genus  Sittella  indigenous 
to  Australia,  and  one  confined  to  New  Zealand, 
Acanthisitta.  It  is  chiefly  represented  by  Sitta, 
which  embraces  from  12  to  14  species;  8  or  9  of 
which  are  European,  while  the  remainder  are 
confined  to  this  country;  one  of  the  latter  being 
found  in  this  latitude. 

Sitta  Cat'olinensis,  Gmelin. 

Few  species  display  greater  activity  than  the 
Carolina  Nuthatch,  whose  habits  we  shall  now 
portray.  From  early  morning  until  sunset,  it  is 
busy  gathering  food.  Its  winding  movements  up 
the  trunks  and  along  the  horizontal  branches  of 
trees,  and  the  inverted  suspensory  position  which 
it  readily  assumes,  ally  it  in  habits  very  closely  to 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  67 

the  Cerlhiidcz',  still  there  are  some  points  of  re- 
semblance to  the  Picida.  Like  the  latter,  it  is 
occasionally  seen  to  tap  the  bark  of  trees,  then 
to  assume  a  listening  attitude  as  if  to  discover  the 
whereabouts  of  some  undermining  larva,  which, 
if  successful,  it  endeavors  to  transfix  by  its  sharp 
bill. 

Unlike  the  species  whose  history  we  have  just 
described,  this  Nuthatch  is  very  shy,  and  loves 
retirement.  It  prefers  the  solitude  of  dry,  high 
thickets  to  the  noise  and  bustle  of  civilized  life. 
We  have  never  known  it  to  desert  its  solitary 
haunts  for  those  of  man,  even  during  the  most 
rigorous  winters.  Isolated  individuals  sometimes 

o 

occur,  but  most  generally  males  and  females  are 
seen  together.  The  same  devotion  characterizes 
the  sexes  as  those  of  the  little  Parus  atricapillus. 
Whilst  engaged  in  feeding,  it  frequents  the 
uppermost  and  middle  branches  of  tall  trees, 
seldom  descending  to  the  lower  branches,  as  is  the 
case  with  our  common  Brown  Creeper.  During 
the  winter,  great  numbers  of  the  ova  and  larvae 
of  coleoptera  which  occupy  the  crevices  of  bark, 
and  fully  developed  elaters  and  buprestians,  the 
Elater  cinereus  of  \Veber  now  referred  to  the 
genus  Cratonychus,  and  Buprestis  Virginica  of 
Drury,  also  referred  to  the  genus  Chalcophora  by 
Dr.  Leconte,  constitute  an  important  part  of  its 
diet.  As  winter  lapses  into  spring,  and  insect-life 
becomes  more  plentiful,  its  bill  of  fare  is  consider- 
ably enlarged ;  Cratonychus  pertinax,  Rhynchceus 


68  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

pini,  Bostrichus  pini,  Chrysomela  caruleipennis, 
Buprestis  lurida,  among  beetles,  and  Formica  san- 
guinea,  among  hymenoptera. 

Whilst  feeding,  the  male  keeps  up  his  peculiar 
nasal  cry  of  konk-hdnk,  repeating  it  at  irregular 
intervals  as  he  climbs  around  the  trunks  and  over 
the  branches  of  trees. 

In  the  spring  when  the  tulip-poplar  is  in  blos- 
som, it  is  a  constant  visitor  thereto,  for  the  small 
insects  which  have  been  attracted  thither  by  the 
honey  of  its  flowers.  Its  cone-like  seed  vessels 
are  freely  visited  during  the  winter  for  the  seeds 
which  they  contain.  It  has 'been  supposed  by 
some  writers,  that  this  species  like, its  European 
congener,  collects  and  stores  away  the  fruits  of 
nut-bearing  trees.  This  fact  cannot  be  disputed 
if  we  are  to  rely  upon  the  statement  of  Mr. 
Strouse,  of  Chestnut  Hill.  He  informs  us  that 
he  has  observed  the  fruits  of  various  species  of 
Quercus  very  securely  wedged  in  between  the 
bark  and  outer  woody  layers  of  trees,  and  Nut- 
hatches in  such  positions  as  to  lead  to  the  suspi- 
cion that  they  had  placed  them  there. 

From  many  years  of  experience,  we  are  satis- 
fied that  the  species  does  not  breed  in  our  latitude. 
We  are  told  by  Dr.  Brewer  that  the  birds  labor 
together  in  the  construction  of  a  cavity  for  a  nest; 
one  carrying  away  the  chips  while  the  other  is  en- 
gaged in  the  perforation,  and  vica  versa.  The  nest 
is  not  unfrequently  placed  at  a  depth  varying  from 
i  5  to  20  inches,  and  is  composed  of  warm  and 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  69 

soft  materials,  such  as  fur,  down,  hair,  and  feathers, 
somewhat  loosely  thrown  together.  Soon  after 
the  young  are  hatched,  we  are  told  by  the  same 
authority,  that  they  climb  to  the  opening  to  re- 
ceive their  food,  and  even  venture  upon  the  trunks 
to  try  their  legs  and  claws,  before  their  alar  ap- 
pendages are  prepared  for  use;  then  retire  at 
night. 

The  eggs  present  a  beautiful  roseate  tinge  when 
fresh,  and  also  a  reddish  hue  from  the  spots 
and  blotches  "  of  ferruginous  and  purplish  with 
which  they  are  closely  covered;  these  markings 
vary  in  size,  from  fine  points  to  well-marked 
blotches.  The  average  clemensions  are  .80  by  .62 
of  an  inch. 

As  we  have  never  met  the  Red-bellied  Nuthatch, 
a  near  kin  of  the  preceding,  in  our  latitude,  we 
pass  on  to  the  next  Family  which  has  representa- 
tives in  our  fauna. 

Family  Certhiidae.     Creepers. 

This  is  a  very  small  and  well  characterized 
group  of  a  dozen  species  included  in  four  or  five 
genera,  which  fall  into  two  subfamilies;  one  of 
these  is  Tichodromina  represented  by  the  Eu- 
ropean creeper,  and  a  small  number  of  species 
chiefly  Australian  of  the  genus  Climacteris\  while 
the  genus  Certhia  embracing  five  or  six  species  and 
varieties,  inclusive  of  one  or  two  allied  genera, 
chiefly  belonging  to  the  Old  World,  constitute  the 


7<3  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

Subfamily  Certhiinae.  Typical  Creepers. 

Our  representative  species  may  be  readily  re- 
cognized by  its  stiff  acuminate  tail-feathers  like 
a  woodpecker's.  It  is  a  restless  little  creature 
which  obtains  a  living  by  picking  insects  from  the 
crevices  of  bark.  In  scrambling  about,  the  tail 
serves  as  a  support. 

Certhia  familiaris,  Vieillot. 

This  Creeper  is  one  of  our  commonest  winter 
occupants.  It  is  almost  exclusively  confined  to 
dense  forests,  remote  from  human  habitations.  It 
has  been  said  by  Dr.  Brewer  to  visit  the  haunts  of 
man  in  the  city  of  Boston,  during  the  winter,  where 
it  manifests  all  the  tameness  and  confidence  of  Pa- 
rns  atricapillus.  We  have  yet  to  record  a  single 
instance  in  which  it  has  shown  such  trustfulness. 
It  has  always  proved  itself,  according  to  our  obser- 
vations, to  be  a  very  suspicious  and  retired  species, 
seeming  to  shun  rather  than  to  court  man's  society. 

Fond  of  the  society  of  the  common  Chickadee 
and  the  smaller  Picidce,  among  which  it  is  usually 
found,  and  despising  the  companionship  of  its  own 
kith  and  kiny  its  character  appears  singular  and 
exceptional.  Instances  are  known  to  us  where  in- 
dividuals have  led  a  comparatively  solitary  and  iso- 
lated existence.  It  is  a  curious  and  interesting  fact, 
that  its  fondness  for  stranger  species,  closes  with 
the  return  of  night.  The  following  testimony 
shows  this  to  be  the  case.  In  ^  dense  thicket 
called  "  Dunnett's  Woods,"  on  the  outskirts  of  Phil- 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  71 

adelphia,  stands  a  certain  hollow  birch-tree,  which 
has  afforded  lodgings  for  a  half-dozen  individuals 
of  this  species,  for  several  successive  winters.  On 
the  return  of  night,  the  birds  will  precipitate  them- 
selves into  the  cavity,  and  closely  huddle 
en  masse,  until  day-break.  This  habit  is  not  the 
teaching  of  a  mere  blind  instinct,  but  the  prompt- 
ing of  a  reason,  similar  in  kind  but  different  in 
degree  from  that  which  human  beings  possess. 

Why  so  many  seek  the  same  cavity  is  a  question 
which  presents  itself  for  solution.  May  it  not  be 
that  the  above  number  constitutes  the  entire 
family,  parents  and  offspring  of  the  preceding 
season?  As  a  birch-tree  is  frequently  selected 
for  the  site  of  the  nest,  this  fact  lends  some  aid  to 
the  foregoing  supposition. 

Another  query  offers  itself  for  consideration. 
Why  does  this  species  lead  a  solitary  life  during  the 
prevalence  of  winter,  and  seldom,  if  ever,  hunting 
in  pairs  as  is  the  case  with  Parus  atricapillus,  but 
generally  found  associated  with  the  latter,  and  the 
smaller  Picida?  The  answer  must  necessarily  be 
of  a  speculative  character.  The  facility  with  which 
Woodpeckers  discern  the  lurking  places  of  insects, 
doubtless,  is  the  cause  of  this  singular  association. 
Experience  has  taught  it  the  wisdom  of  such  as- 
sociations, and  the  advantages  which  flow  there- 
from. That  its  selfish  propensities  should  frequently 
triumph  over  its  better  nature,  need  not  be  a  mat- 
ter of  much  surprise.  When  there  is  a  scarcity 
of  food  and  its  procurement  is  attended  with  con- 


72  LIFE-HISTORIES  OF  BIRDS 

siderable  difficulty,  it  is  natural  that  the  feeling  of 
affection  so  strong  and  ardent  during  the  breeding 
season,  should  be  temporarily  merged  into  the  all- 
absorbing  pursuit  of  the  means  of  support. 

Whilst  securely  intent  upon  feeding,  the  faintest 
noise  is  instantly  perceived:  When  apprised  of  its 
cause,  and  danger  is  imminent,  retreat  is  precipi- 
tate. We  have  often  been  amused  while  watching 
its  movements  on  descrying  a  human  being.  As 
though  unperceived,  or  thinking  to  conceal  itself, 
on  such  occasions  it  would  pass  round  to  the  op- 
posite side  of  the  tree  from  him,  and  by  an  almost 
vertical  course,  direct  its  way  to  the  topmost 
boughs,  and,  then,  as  if  actuated  by  a  sudden  im- 
pulse, fly  quickly  away. 

During  the  rigor  of  winter,  the  eggs,  larvae  and 
imagos  of  coleoptera  which  it  manages  to  draw 
from  the  cracks  of  bark,  constitute  mainly  its  diet. 
We  have  frequently  seen  it  upon  the  evergreen 
branches  of  the  hemlock,  spruce,  and  the  yellow- 
birch,  feeding  upon  the  seeds  which  occupy  the 
loose  cones  of  the  former  and  the  catkins  of  the 
latter.  Later  in  winter  and  during  the  early  spring 
diverse  beetles  are  eagerly  devoured.  We  have 
found  in  the  stomachs  of  several  individuals  the 
remains  of  CratonycJms  cinereus,  C.pertinax,  Rhyn- 
chcziis  pini,  Bostrichus  pini,  Platymts  cupripennis, 
Harpalus  compar,  Formica  sanguined  and  F.  sub- 
terranea. 

In  its  rapid  movements  from  tree  to  tree  in  quest 
of  insects,  we  are  reminded  of  its  presence  by  its 


OF   EASTERN   PENNSYLVANIA,  73 

peculiar  cry  which  may  be  quite  accurately  ex- 
pressed by  the  syllables  krec-kree-kree-krc-ep,  pro- 
nounced sharply  and  hurriedly.  Although  a  com- 
mon winter  resident,  it  does  not  remain  long  enough 
in  the  spring  to  gladden  us  with  a  song. 

Its  nest  in  more  northern  latitudes  consists  of  a 
loose  aggregation  of  soft  warm  materials,  such  as 
the  fur  of  small  animals,  and  feathers,  with  an  in- 
termingling of  decayed  wood,  but  with  so  little 
consistency  of  form  as  to  render  removal  without 
violating  the  structure,  utterly  impossible;  it  is 
placed  in  the  deserted  holes  of  the  Woodpeckers, 
and  in  the  rotten  stumps  and  branches  of  trees. 

The  birds  are  strongly  attached  to  their  nest,  and 
are  reluctant  to  leave  it  even  when  assailed  by 
human  enemies.  When  rifled  of  their  treasure,  they 
hover  around  the  head  of  the  delinquent,  uttering 
the  most  reproachful  cries.  Not  a  trace  of  timidity 
is  discoverable  during  such  times,  but  an  exhibition 
of  the  most  reckless  devotion. 

The  eggs,  when  compared  with  the  size  of  the 
bird,  are  proportionally  small.  They  are  almost 
oval  in  configuration,  and  display  a  sprinkling  of 
small  minute  reddish-brown  spots  upon  a  grayish- 
white  back-ground.  They  measure  .55  by  .43  of 
an  inch. 

Family  Troglodytidae.      Wrens, 

This  family  embraces  a  number  of  forms  ex- 
ceedingly variable  and  difficult  of  precise  definition. 
They  are  intimately  related  to  the  last  two  fami- 


74  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

lies,  but  are  distinguished  therefrom  by  the 
non-acuminate  tail-feathers  and  exposed  nostrils. 
The  Troglodytidce,  with  the  exclusion  of  the  Old 
World  forms  which  are  ranked  with  the  Wrens, 
and  which  are  better  assigned  elsewhere;  and 
excepting  the  European  Wren  and  its  congeners, 
are  limited  to  America.  There  are  one  hundred 
recognized  species  belonging  to  sixteen  genera  or 
subgenera,  mostly  tropical  American.  Of  the 
North  American  forms,  three  genera  are  exclu- 
sively western,  while  species  of  all  our  other 
genera,  are  common  eastern  birds. 

Thryothorus  hidovicianus,  Bonaparte. 

The  above  species  which  is  commonly  surnamed 
the  Mocking  Wren  from  its  remarkable  powers  of 
mimicry,  is  not  a  rare  visitor  in  our  latitude,  and 
has  been  observed  on  frequent  occasions.  In 
Delaware  County,  Pa.,  it  is  quite  abundant  during 
breeding-period,  from  which  we  infer  that  it  breeds 
there. 

Like  its  congeners,  it  displays  a  lack  of  shyness 
and  timidity,  and  permits  a  near  approach  without 
fear  or  alarm. 

The  food  of  the  Carolina  Wren  consists  mainly 
of  coleoptera,  diptera,  lepidopterous  larvae  and 
the  small  forms  of  neuropterous  life  which  inhabit 
low  aqueous  situations,  besides  the  seeds  of  grami- 
naceous plants,  and  the  berries  of  Juniperus  Vir- 
giniana. 

It  is  noted  for  the  variety  and  power  of  its  song. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  75 

Remarkably  imitative,  the  rattle  of  the  Kingfisher, 
the  liveliness  of  the  Tufted  Titmouse,  the  refrain 
of  the  Ground  Robin,  with  the  notes  of  the  Grakles, 
Meadow  Lark,  and  Blue  Bird,  are  produced  with 
astonishing  exactness. 

Nidification  commences  about  the  beginning  of 
June.  Low  swampy  grounds  ordinarily  surround 
the  tree  which  marks  the  site  of  the  nest.  This 
experience  agrees  with  Audubon's.  Instances 
have  been  recorded  of  nests  being  built  in  close 
proximity  to  human  dwellings;  butthese  are,  doubt- 
less, exceptional  occurrences.  The  cavity  which  is 
occupied,  measures  five  or  six  inches  in  depth;  and 
the  entrance  is  just  large  enough  to  admit  but  one 
bird  at  a  time.  The  materials  employed  are  leaves, 
hay,  grasses,  horse-hair,  and  feathers,  on  the  ex- 
terior, with  a  warm  and  soft  lining  of  hair  and 
feathers.  We  have  never  known  more  than  a  sin- 
gle brood  to  be  reared  in  a  season,  although  the 
experience  of  others  proves  the  species  to  be  oc- 
casionally triple-brooded. 

The  fact  that  sequestered  situations  are  chosen 
for  nidificating-purposes,  is  not  always  proof  that 
a  species  is  shy.  Both  before  breeding  and  after 
it,  we  have  observed  birds  in  retired  situations, 
and  have  not  seen  the  least  betrayal  of  timidity. 
In  primeval  times,  when  dense  forests  and  impene- 
trable underbrush  covered  what  is  now  arable 
ground,  there  was  no  choice  of  locality;  but  since 
their  disappearance  by  the  magic  wand  of  civiliza- 
tion, some  have  deserted  their  natural  haunts  for 


76  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

those  of  man, but  the  majority  still  linger  in  the  "old 
beaten  ruts  of  habit."  It  is  probable  as  the  en- 
croachment of  civilization  still  advances,  and  sylvan 
scenes  become  transformed  into  fertile  fields,  the 
species  will  embrace  the  altered  conditions,  and  by 
frequent  intercourses  with  the  "  lords  of  creation," 
learn  to  regard  them  in  the  same  light  as  the  little 
House  Wren  which  is  the  very  impersonation  of 
sociability. 

As  before  remarked,  the  Mocking  Wren's  nest 
is  ordinarily  placed  within  hollow  trees  and 
stumps,  and  occasionally  in  open  situations,  with 
no  other  covering  than  what  the  foliar  appendages 
of  bushes  can  give.  When  a  cavity  is  chosen 
which  does  not  secure  the  requisite  protection  and 
immunity  from  inclement  weather  and  excessive 
heat,  an  artificial  covering  is  appended. 

The  eggs  are  usually  6  or  7  in  number,  and 
vary  in  dimensions  and  configuration.  They  are 
spheroidal-oval  in  shape,  and  measure  .75  to  .70  of 
an  inch  in  length;  the  greatest  breadth  being  .60 
to  .65.  The  ground-color  is  reddish-white  with 
blotches  of  purple  and  reddish-brown,  thickly  and 
pretty  equally  diffused  over  the  outer  surface. 

Troglodytes  cedon,  Vieill. 

This  bold  and  venturesome  little  creature 
arrives  in  our  midst  during  the  early  part  of  May. 
At  this  time  it  is  mostly  paired.  Whether  it  leaves 
its  southern  habitat  already  mated,  we  cannot  say 
with  certaintv.  From  evidences  of  a  reliable 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  77 

character  we  are  inclined  to  think  that  the  sexes 
arrive  at  the  same  time. 

Shortly  after  their  arrival,  they  set  to  work  to 
discover  a  suitable  situation  for  the  purposes  of 
nidification.  In  this  work  they  display  little  judg- 
ment and  taste.  Almost  any  object  with  a  suitable 
aperture  and  a  moderate  capacity  of  interior,  and 
well  adapted  to  secure  the  requisites  of  shelter 
and  comfort,  is  taken  possession  of  and  made  to 
subserve  its  purposes. 

Before  us  is  a  nest  of  the  Baltimore  Oriole 
which  is  composed  of  strings  beautifully  and 
artistically  interwoven.  Within,  this  structure  is 
occupied  -by  the  nest  of  the  species  under  con- 
sideration. The  coarse  sticks  of  the  latter  which 
are  nearly  one-eighth  of  an  inch  in  thickness, 
project  in  every  direction  through  the  meshes  of 
the  former.  At  the  entrance,  these  sticks  are 
piled  up  in  an  unsymmetrically  conical  heap,  with 
a  circular  opening  just  large  enough  to  admit  the 
passage  of  a  Wren.  It  seems  to  us  that  so  cozy 
a  nest  as  the  Oriole's,  which  the  most  competent 
connoisseur  of  birds'  nests  would  certainly  pro- 
nounce the  perfection  of  art,  would  scarcely  be 
refused  by  a  species  whose  artistic  skill  is  so 
decidedly  inferior.  But  such  is  often  the  case  as 
the  present  instance  amply  attests.  Howsoever 
homely  and  uncouth  the  structure,  the  House 
Wren  prefers  its  own  workmanship  to  that  of  a 
stranger's. 

The  Common  Pewee  delights  to  build  its  nest 


78  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

within  outhouses,  and  even  stuck  up  against  the 
rafters  of  porches.  Before  us  is  'a  fabric  which 
is  chiefly  composed  of  mud-pellets  with  an  inter- 
mixture of  divers  mosses.  The  cavity  of  a  Pewit's 
nest  is  ordinarily  shallow.  Within  the  preceding 
nest  is  placed  that  of  the  Wren.  As  the  sticks 
which  constitute  its  exterior,  extend  nearly  to  the 
bottom  of  the  Pewee's  nest,  it  is  obvious  that  a 
considerable  moiety  of  the  interior  of  the  latter, 
has  been  wrought  out  by  the  Wrens  to  make  the 
^necessary  room. 

The  exteriors  of  both  these  nests  are  wholly 
composed  of  sticks  of  considerable  thickness.  The 
interiors  are  lined  mainly  \vith  feathers  and  mosses. 
When  constructed  in  a  hollow  or  perforated  tree, 
the  property  of  some  previously  existing  Wood- 
pecker, similar  elements  enter  into  their  compo- 
sition. 

When  a  box,  or  its  substitute  is  at  hand,  selec- 
tion is  usually  made  thereof..  But  when  such  is 
wanting,  a  hollow-tree  is  made  to  serve  its  pur- 
pose. When  pressed  by  the  irresistible  desire  to 
nidificate,  the  House  Wren  will  not  scruple  to  take 
possession  of  the  nest  of  a  dissimilar  species, 
either  forcibly  or  during  the  temporary  absence 
of  its  rightful  occupants.  When  the  nest  of  a 
Woodpecker  has  been  captured,  the  most  artful 
stratagems  are  practiced  to  frustrate  the  endeavors 
of  the  injured  parties  to  regain  possession.  This 
mischief-loving  habit  of  the  Wren  has  become 
proverbial.  Its  natural  penchant  for  the  commis- 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA. 


79 


sion  of  mischief  is  so  rampant,  that  while  abroad 
in  quest  of  food,  the  gratification  of  this  unen- 
viable trait  often  brings  it  into  trouble.  The 
Blue  Bird  is  especially  trie  object  of  its  annoyance. 
During  the  temporary  absence  of  the  latter,  the 
Wren  will  enter  her  home  and  despoil  it;  then,  as 
if  awakened  by  a  sense  of  guilt,  and  fearful  of 
detection,  instantly  beats  a  cowardly  retreat. 

The  male  is  quite  active  in  building,  and  ap- 
parently executes  the  task  alone,  while  his  'part- 
ner stands  aloof  with  the  utmost  complacency; 
ever  and  anon  she  enters  the  box  or  cavity  to  in- 
spect the  character  of  the  work.  Nidification  com- 
mences about  the  i6th  of  May,  and  continues 
during  a  period  of  14  days.  If  a  hnman  being  or 
quadruped  should  stray  into  the  vicinity,  the  most 
vehement  scolding  ensues,  and  the  utmost  efforts 
are  exerted  to  expel  the  intruder.  Oviposition 
closely  follows  nidification.  A  single  egg  is  daily 
deposited,  until  the  entire  number  which  ranges 
from  seven  to  nine,  'has  been  laid.  Whilst  the 
female  is  engaged  in  incubation,  the  male  carefully 
administers  to  her  necessities,  and  in  times  of 
danger,  imperils  his  own  life  in  her  behalf.  Fie 
is  a  most  jealous  and  attentive  husband. 

When  not  thus  occupied,  he  freely  enlivens  her 
tedious  moments  by  an  agreeable  ditty.  Should 
he  be  disturbed  while  thus  employed,  by  any  of  his 
feathered  brethren,  he  will  suddenly  break  off  in 
the  midst  thereof,  and  seek  to  castigate  the  offender 
for  his  insolence  and  temerity. 


80  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS. 

The  period  of  incubation  is  ten  days.  A  little 
longer  time  elapses,  and  .the  young  which  are 
objects  of  the  tenderest  solicitude  by  their  parents, 
are  ready  to  vacate  the  nest.  Their  parents  work 
diligently  to  supply  their  wants.  At  first  their  food 
consists  chiefly  of  diptera  and  the  larvae  of  the 
smaller  lepidoptera;  other  kinds  are  added  as  age 
demands.  But  a  single  brood  is  raised  in  a  season. 
After  the  young  are  able  to  shift  for  themselves, 
they  are  still  the  objects  of  parental  care.  , 

The  House  Wren  is  pre-eminently  insectivorous, ; 
and  destroys  an  immense  number  of  insects  for  a 
bird  of  its  size.  During  the  early  part  of  its  sojourn, 
its  food  consists  of  the  immature  forms  of  G^dipoda 
sulphured,  CE.  nebulosa,  Caloptenus  femur-rubrum , 
among  orthoptera;  Harpalus  pensylvanicus,  H. 
compar,  Platynus  cuprlpennis,  Bostrichus pini,  Chry- 
somela  caruleipennis,  among  coleopters ;  Formica 
sanguined,  and  F.  subterranea,  among  hymenoptera ; 
Syrphus  obscurus,  Tabanus  lineola,  Stomoxys  calci- 
trans,  Cidex  t&niorhyncfms,  and  other  dipterous 
forms ;  and  Eufitchia  ribcdrid^  Anisopteryx  vernata, 
Clisiocampa  Americana,  and  various  species  of  lar- 
val- Noctuids  and  Tortricids. 

The  song  of  this  Wren  is  lively  and  pitched  in  a 
sharp  key.  The  following  syllables  express  with 
tolerable  accuracy  its  literal  representation: — twlt- 
twit-twit-f  chiiiii-hwlt-tim  Its 

ordinary  call  note  is  a  simple  iiult.  When  pro- 
voked its  cry  resembles  twlt-i-chce.  The  notes  of 
affection  which  the  male*  addresses  to  his  partner, 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  8 1 

are  tilii  twit-twit;  disgust  and  petulence  by  chee- 
chee-tchecp.  The  song  of  the  young  is  repre- 
sented in  syllabic  language  by  twlt-tl-tl-tl^  twiii-lwi~ 
twi-twl.  Throughout  its  entire  stay,  it  is  the  same 
cool,  intrepid,  and  saucy  little  creature.  Far  from 
manifesting  any  shyness,  it  seems  to  prefer  the 
society  of  man,  for  the  many  advantages  which 
aresecured.  Secluded  situations  are  seldom  chosen 
for  nidification.  During  the  latter  .part  of  Sep- 
tember, sometimes  earlier,  it  repairs  to  its  winter- 
quarters,  long  before  its  appropriate  food-stuffs 
have  become  scarce. 

The  eggs  are  from  seven  to  nine  in  number^ 
round-oval  in  configuration,  and  nearly  as  broad  as 
long  in  some  instances.  They  are  usually  colored 
white,  and  marked  with  fine  points  of  reddish-brown,  • 
with  occasional  purplish  ones  so  as  to  conceal  the 
ground-color.  Some  are  .60  inches  in  length  by 
.55  in  breadth;  others  measure  .65  inches  in  length 
with  the  same  breadth. 

Anorthura  troglodytes,  Rennie. 

In  our  latitude,  the  Winter  Wren  is  quite  com- 
mon during  its  winter  stay.  Within  the  small  val- 
leys along  the  Wissahickon,  it  has  been  frequently 
observed  at  this  time.  It  leads  a  solitary  existence ; 
its  chances  of  subsistence  being  thereby  consider- 
ably enhanced. 

Unlike  the  Golden-crowned  Regulus,  and  its 
nearest  congener,  previously  described,  which 
forage  among  the  topmost  boughs  of  the  tallest 

F 


82  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

trees,  the  subject  of  our  sketch  seldom  aspires  to 
such  loftiness,  but  rather  delights  in  low  situations, 
where  among  the  small  bushes  that  line  our  water- 
courses, it  derives  a  scanty  and  precarious  subsis- 
tence; these  places  it  occasionally  deserts  for  a 
pile  of  brush,  or  the  prostrate  trunk  of  a  decayed 
tree.  The  larvae  and  small  beetles  which  are  found 
in  decomposed  wood,  constitute  an  essential  part 
of  its  food;  the  debris  which  accumulates  in  such 
places,  affording  a  suitable  nidus  for  insects.  When 
there  is  a  paucity  of  the  latter,  the  seeds  of 
various  plants,  particularly  those  of  asters  and 
panicums,  are  devoured  with  avidity. 

In  valleys  having  a  southern  exposure  and 
hemmed  in  by'high  hills,  we  have  seen  both  males 
and  females,  but  always  isolated  from  each  other. 
It  is  well  known  that  animals  are  prone  to  congre- 
gate in  times  of  plenty;  but  when  a  scarcity  of 
food-stuffs  prevails,  a  disposition  to  dissolve  into 
small  parties,  or  pairs,  or  even  into  solitary  indi- 
viduals, exists.  In  view  of  these  facts,  may  it  not 
be  inferred  that  the  subject  under  consideration, 
has  been  brought  to  its  present  mode  of  living,  in 
conformity  to  the  scarcity  of  nutrient  materials  in 
its  environment?  Solitary  individuals  in  their 
"struggle  for  existence,"  would  thus  be  better 
able  to  survive. 

When  spring  approaches,  the  sexes  freely  as- 
sociate. Pairing,  however,  does  not  take  place  until 
the  breeding  district  has  been  reached. 

According  to  the  opinions  of  leading  ornitholo- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  83 

gists,  this  Wren  breeds  in  mountainous  places. 
Mr.  Audubon  in  his  rambles,  never  discovered 
but  a  single  nest;  and  this  he  found  in  a  hollow 
protuberance  overgrown  with  mosses  and  lichens 
which  presented  to  the  eye  of  a  spectator,  even  at 
a  short  distance,  the  semblance  of  an  excrescence. 
This  nest  was  discovered  in  a  dense  forest  in  the 
state  of  Pennsylvania. 

In  the  small  valleys  which  nestle  among  the 
hills  of  the  Wissahickon,  paired  individuals  have 
been  seen  late  in  the  spring,  when  most  of  our 
resident  species  are  engaged  in  niclification  or 
incubation;  from  which  we  have  been  led  to  infer 
that  a  few  individuals  possibly  remain  to  breed; 
but  we  have  never  discovered  the  slightest  evi- 
dence of  a  nest. 

A  jiest  of  this  bird  met  with  by  Mr.  William  F. 
Hall  in  the  central-eastern  portion  of  Maine,  is 
described  as  being  "built  in  an  unoccupied  log-hut 
among  fir-leaves  and  mosses,  in  a  crevice  between 
the  logs,"  and  was  composed  exteriorly  of  mosses, 
and  lined  internally  with  the  fur  of  small  quadru- 
peds and  the  feathers  of  birds.  It  was  pouch- 
shaped  with  a  neatly-framed  entrance  constructed 
of  pine  sticks.  The  walls  were  firmly  impacted 
and  interwroven,  with  a  thickness  of  two  inches; 
and  the  cavity  possessed  a  width  of  one  and  a 
quarter  inches,  and  a  depth  of  four  inches. 

The  eggs  are  ordinarily  six  in  number,  and 
measure  .64  of  an  inch  in  length  by  .48  in  width. 
They  resemble  slightly  those  of  the  Black-capped 


84  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

Titmouse,  and  compared  with  its  European 
congener  are  larger,  less  oval,  and  possess  spots 
characterized  by  greater  distinctness.  Their 
ground-color  is  white  which  is  spotted  with  clear 
reddish-brown  and  indistinct  markings  of  purplish- 
slate. 

Its  earliest  appearance  dates  from  the  beginning 
of  November.  During  the  prevalence  of  unusually 
severe  weather,  which  often  occurs  in  the  months 
of  January  and  February,  many  individuals  are 
driven  from  their  coverts  when  the  ground  is 
covered  with  snow,  and  there  is  a  consequent 
scarcity  of  food-stuffs,  to  seek  the  abodes  of  man. 
During  its  stay  it  is  devoid  of  song.  Audubon 
describes  its  song  as  being  full  of  force  and 
melody,  and  superior  to  that  of  any  bird  of  a  similar 
size  of  his  acquaintance.  Its  power  of  endurance 
is  affirmed  to  be  truly  astonishing. 

Telmatodytes  palustris.  B air d . 

The  long-billed  Marsh  Wren  as  we  popularly 
designate  this  species,  is  occasionally  met  with  in 
Eastern  Pennsylvania,  and  delights  in  marshy  situ- 
ations. Among  the  tall  sedges  and  grasses  that 
thickly  border  the  streams  of  Southern  New  Jersey, 
however,  it  is  uncommonly  abundant.  But  in  the 
salt-water  marshes  of  Atlantic  County,  of  the  same 
State,  which  extend  landward  from  the  beach  for 
nearly  a  half-mile,  it  occurs  in  vaster  numbers. 
Within  an  acre  of  territory  at  least  fifty  nests  have 
been  counted  of  recent  construction. 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA,  85 

In  July,  1874,  during*  a  second  visit,  many  oc- 
cupied nests  were  seen  with  many  others  that 
showed  evidences  of  recent  occupancy.  As  this 
species  reaches  its  breeding-quarters  early  in  May, 
and  instantly  repairs  to  nest-building,  it  is  safe  to 
affirm  that  these  constituted  second  broods;  the 
first  having  already  matured  and  quitted  their  nests. 

From  the  character  of  the  situation  and  its  re- 
moteness from  human  habitations,  it  might  be  sup- 
posed that  this  Wren  is  exceedingly  shy  and  timid. 
But  this  is  no  argument  for  timidity.  Our  ex- 
perience clearly  shows  its  unsuspicious  character, 
as  in  frequent  instances  we  have  been  permitted 
to  approach  within  a  few  paces  of  birds,  as  they 
gracefully  swayed  to  and  fro  upon  the  flexible 
reeds. 

It  is  probable  that  the  species  prefers  marshy 
situations  on  account  of  the  advantages  which 
they  secure,  so  far  as  food-stuffs  are  concerned. 
Its  appropriate  articles  of  diet  consist  of  aquatic 
insects  as  mosquitos  and  libellulas,  besides  small 
mollusks. 

In  "  North  American  Birds,"  the  nest  is  described 
as  being  built  in  low  bushes,  but  a  few  feet  from 
the  ground.  Howsoever  accurately  this  description 
may  apply  to  some  localities,  it  differs  from  our 
general  experience.  In  a  single  instance  we  have 
observed  a  nest  built  upon  a  bush.  In  details  of 
structure,  all  the  nests  which  we  have  seen  and 
examined  to  the  number  of  fifty,  compare  favor- 
ably with  the  published  description  of  the  nest  of 
Cistothorus  stellaris,  in  the  work  just  mentioned. 


86  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

We  are  positive  upon  this  point,  for  the  follow- 
ing reasons.  The  occupancy  of  nests  by  the 
Long-billed  Marsh  Wren;  the  presence  of  eggs 
thickly  marked  with  blotches  and  spots  of  a  deep 
chocolate  brown,  so  as  to  present  an  almost  uni- 
form color  so  strikingly  constrastive  with  the  pure 
white  eggs  of  C.  stellaris ;  and,  lastly,  the  great 
numbers  of  T.  pahistris  everywhere  seen ;  form  an 
array  of  evidence  not  to  be  lightly  considered. 

It  may  be  argued  that  the  nest  of  a  very  close 
ally  has  been  forcibly  taken  possession  of.  The 
absence  of  any  positive  knowledge  tending  to  show 
the  existence  of  such  a  pilfering  propensity,  nulli- 
fies any  such  presumption.  It  is  true  that  the 
cavity  which  a  hard-working  Woodpecker  has 
constructed  at  infinite  pains,  is  Appropriated  by  a 
different  species,  in  a  few  instances.  But  we  have 
yet  to  meet  with  a  case,  for  example,  where  the 
Baltimore  Oriole  has  stolen  and  occupied  the  nest 
of  Icterus  spurius.  This  would  be  an  anomalous 
occurrence.  Birds,  as  a  rule  which  admits  of  no 
variations,  prefer  their  own  workmanship  to  those 
of  strangers'. 

The  typical  nest  of -this  species  is  described  as 
being  "made  externally  of  coarse  sedges  firmly 
interwoven,  the  interstices  being  cemented  with 
clay  or  mud."  Further,  it  is  said,  "a  small,  round 
orifice  is  left  in  one  side  for  entrance;  the  upper 
side  of  which  is  also  protected  from  the  rain  by  a 
projecting  ledge." 

Audubon  describes  it  as  built  among  sedges, 


OF  EASTERN   PENNSYLVANIA,  87 

and  ordinarily  partially  constructed  of  the  sedges 
among  which  it  is  placed.  So  far  his  description 
agrees  substantially  with  our  experience. 

In  a  criticism  of  Audubon's  description,  Dr. 
Brewer  says,  "in  the  localities  in  which  they" 
(T.palustris)  "breed  near  the  coast,  being  subject 
to  irregular  heights  of  tides,  it  could  not  be  done 
with  safety." 

With  no  wish  to  dispute  the  truth  of  this  last 
statement,  coming  as  it  does  from  such  high 
authority,  our  plea  for  so  doing  as  necessitated  by 
facts,  is  an  earnest  desire  that  truth  and  jus- 
tice shall  prevail. 

Our  experience  confirms  Audubon's  published 
statement.  As  nidificating  habits  vary  in  particu- 
lar localities,  in  correspondence  with  surrounding 
conditions,  this  fact  will,  doubtless,  reconcile  the 
two  statements.  It  seems  to  us  that  irregularities 
in  tidal  elevation  cannot  materially  affect  nidifica- 
tion.  The  nests  which  we  have  examined  were 
mostly  built  in  tussocks  of  sedges,  at  elevations 
varying  from  two  to  two  and  a  half  feet,  and 
thickly  and  compactly  made  of  interwoven 
grasses,  with  a  dense  lining  of  feathers,  almost 
proof  against  the  permeation  of  water. 

Before  us  is  a  fabric  which  was  built  in  a  tus- 
sock of  sedges,  at  an  elevation  of  two  feet  above 
the  marshy  ground.  It  was  completely  enveloped 
by  sedges,  many  of  which  were  woven  into  its 
structure.  In  shape,  it  resembles  a'cocoanut,  and 
is  nearly  of  the  size  of  a  fair  specimen.  The 


88  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS. 

aperture  is  located  near  the  top,  and  in  some 
specimens  is  almost  entirely  hidden  by  the  en- 
veloping sedges,  which  at  this  point  are  closely 
arranged.  On  entering,  the  sedges  are  pushed 
aside,  and  carefully  re-adjusted  when  the  .bird  is 
once  in  the  nest.  On  retiring  therefrom,  the 
modus  operandi  is  analogous. 

Exteriorly,  the  nest  is  constituted  of  the  foliar 
appendages  of  Scirpus  maritimus;  interiorly,  of 
the  leaves  of  grasses  of  remarkable  fineness ;  the 
dermis  of  weeds  in  broad  patches;  and  overall, 
a  mixture  of  soft  feathers  and  wool. 

While  most  of  the  nests  we  have  examined, 
correspond  in  the  main  with  the  above  description, 
we  have  noticed  occasional  exceptions.  A  nest 
in  our  collection  bears  a  very  close  resemblance 
to  that  of  Gcothlypis  trichas,  in  being  nearly  oven- 
shape.-  The  opening  occupies  the  anterior  aspect, 
and  has  a  breadth  of  two  inches.  The  materials 
which  enter  into. its  composition,  vary  but  little  on 
the  exterior  from  the  typical  form,  but,  within,  they 
consist  of  fine  grasses  and  silk-like  threads  of 
vegetable  origin.  The  peculiar  shape  of  the  nest 
leads  us  to  infer  the  character  of  its  site  which  we 
have  reason  to  believe  was  a  cavity  in  the  earth, 
perhaps,  at  the  base  of  a  clump  of  grasses. 

The  flight  of  this  Wren  is  ordinarily  low  and 
but  slightly  sustained;  having  much  in  common 
with  the  other  members  of  its  family. 

Its  food  consists  of  the  larvae  of  aquatic  insects 
which  are  found  abundantly  in  its  natural  haunts; 


OF   EASTERN   PENNSYLVANIA,  89 

mature  forms  of  Tabanus  lineola,  T.  cinctiis,  Tip- 
ula  ferruginea,  Culex  tczniorhynchus,  among 
diptera ;  and  Anisopteryx  vernata,  Clisiocampa 
Americana,  Spilosoma  Virginica,  S.  acrcza,  and 
many  of  the  Noctuidcz  and  Lyccznidce,  in  the  con- 
dition of  imagos;  besides  coleoptera  and  minute 
mollusks. 

The  note  of  the  Long-billed  Marsh  Wren  is  a 
harsh,  grating  cry,  lacking  in  power  and  harmony, 
and  resembling  more  nearly  the  sounds  of  an 
insect  than  those  of  a  bird. 

It  is  an  early,  autumnal  migrant,  usually  retir- 
ing to  its  winter  quarters  in  the  beginning  of 
September,  long  anterior  to  the  growing  scarcity 
of  food-stuffs. 

The  eggs  of  this  species  range  from  six  to  nine 
in  number,  are  oval  in  shape,  but  occasionally 
spheroidal.  They  are  thickly  marked  with  blotches 
of  a  deep  chocolate-brown,  so  as  to  present  an 
almost  uniform  appearance.  The  average  length 
is  .65  of  an  inch,  and  breadth  .50. 


CHAPTER     III. 
Family  Sylvicolidae.     American  Warblers. 

All  the  Sylvicolas  are  small  birds  not  one  being- 
over  six  inches  in  length,  if  we  except  Icteria  and 
probably  a  species  of  Seiurus.  They  are  mostly 
clad  in  variegated  colors.  The  sexes  are  gener- 
ally unlike,  and  the  variations  of  plumage  so 
striking  with  respect  to  age  and  season  of  the 
year,  that  most  careful  discrimination  is  absolutely 
essential.  Some  of  the  Warblers  possess  the 
habits  of  Titmice  or  Wrens;  others,  imitate  the 
Creepers  or  Nuthatches;  the  Seiuri.m  many  par- 
ticulars, resemble  the  Titlarks ;  while  the  Redstarts 
simulate  so  completely  the  true  Flycatchers,  that 
they  were  formerly  classified  with  the  Tyranni-da . 

The  Warblers  graduate  so  completely  into  the 
Tanagers,  that  they  have  been  constituted  a  sub- 
family of  Tanagridce',  their  affinity  with  the 
Ccerebidcz  is  so  intimate,  that  a  clear  line  of  de- 
marcation is  not  possible. 

The  Sylvic&lida  as  now  constituted,  comprehend 
more  than  a  hundred  genuine  species,  and  in 
America  to  which  they  are  restricted,  may  be  con- 
sidered as  representative  of  the  Sylviida  of  the 
Old  World.  Dr.  Coues  separates  them  into  three 
subfamilies: — Sylvicolincz,  Icteriincz,  and  Setopha- 
gince  which  are  distinguished  from  each  other  by 
certain  structural  peculiarities. 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA*  Ql 

Subfamily  Sylvicolinae.    Warblers. 

The  above  group  is  especially  characteristic  of 
North  America;  the  entire  genera  with  the  major 
part  of  the  species,  being  summer  residents,  which 
mostly  winter  in  Mexico,  West  Indies,  and  Cen- 
tral America.  The  genus  Dendrceca  is  character- 
istic of  the  Eastern  United  States.  They  may  be 
classed  as  creeping  warblers  which  have  the  poste- 
rior digit  longer  than  its  claw,  and  the  anterior  toes 
more  completely  united  at  base  than  in  other  types ; 
ground  warblers  with  the  feet  relatively  stouter 
than  the  remainder;  worm-eating  warblers  which 
are  devoid  of  rictal  bristles;  and  wood  warblers 
par  excellence.  They  are  all  strictly  insectivorous, 
possess  some  ability  as  songsters,  particularly  in 
springtime,  and  are,  also,  migratory. 

Mniotilta  varia,  Vieillot. 

This  happy  and  genial  Warbler  which  is  known 
in  common  parlance  as  the  Black  and  White 
Creeper,  revisits  us  during  the  early  part  of  May, 
and,  doubtless,  breeds  in  our  midst;  although  we 
have  never  been  able  to  discover  the  situation  of  its 
nest.  In  general  habits  it  closely  resembles  the 
Certhiida,  while  its  song  which  is  a  pleasing  yet 
somewhat  monotonous  ditty,  bespeaks  it  a  posi- 
tion among  the  Warblers. 

Its  movements  whilst  feeding,  recall  the  agility 
of  Certhia  familiaris.  It  moves  up  and  down  the 
trunks  of  trees  in  a  circuitous  manner,  along  their 


92  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

horizontal  branches,  often  clinging  to  their  under 
surfaces  in  an  inverted  position,  and  probing  the 
creviced  bark  for  insects  that  lurk  therein.  Ever 
and  anon  it  intermits  the  busy  task,  and  indulges 
in  a  rustical  ditty.  Whilst  thus  engaged,  it  passes 
from  tree  to  tree  with  moderate  celerity. 

Though  mainly  arboreal  whilst  foraging,  yet 
an  examination  of  the  contents  of  several  stomachs 
affords  convincing  evidence  of  the  fact  that  it  fre- 
quently descends  from  its  lofty  heights,  to  grovel 
in  the  dust;  beetles  of  exclusively  terrestrial  habits 
have  been  found  therein.  Timidity  and  suspicion 
form  no  part  of  its  disposition.  We  have  fre- 
quently approached  its  within  a  few  paces,  and 
without  the  least  caution  being  exercised,  and 
could  not  discern  the  slightest  evidence  of  distrust 
or  alarm.  When  the  tulip-poplar  is  in  blossom, 
it  may  be  seen  in  company  with  the  Kinglets,  glean- 
ing among  the  flowers  for  the  small  insects  which 
have  been  attracted  thither  in  quest  of  honey.  Ex- 
cept when  the  passions  are  excited  through  amatory 
influences,  a  solitary  life  is  preferred.  It  is  never 
gregarious  in  the  strictest  sense  of  the  word.  At  the 
termination  of  the  breeding-period  it  relapses  into 
solitude. 

During  the  entire  months  of  June  and  July, 
paired  individuals  have  been  frequently  observed 
within  the  dense  underbrush  that  covers  the  Wis- 
sahickon  hills,  which  fact  inclines  us  to  the  belief 
that  its  nest  may  yet  be  found  in  such  situations. 
In  open  and  exposed  places,  there  would  be  better 
acilities  for  discovery. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  93 

The  food  of  this  species  as  far  as  we  have  been 
able  to  determine,  is  principally  coleoptera.  The 
accompanying  list  embraces  a  few  of  the  commoner 
kinds: — Cratonychus  cinereus,  C.  pertinax,  Harpa- 
lus  pensylvanicus,  H.  compar,  Platynus  cupripennis, 
Rhynchceus  pini,  Bostrichus  pini,  Chrysomela 
c&ruleipennis,  Donacia  metallica  and  Haltica  cha- 
lybea.  Earthworms,  diptera,  and  ants,  also  con- 
stitute a  share  of  its  diet. 

The  song  is  moderately  loud  and  but  slightly 
prolonged.  It  is  a  simple  monotonous  ditty  which 
is  uttered  with  a  strong,  shrill,  and  grating  intona- 
tion. The  following  syllable  will  convey  to  the 
mind  a  pretty  accurate  representation  of  its  ex- 
pression:— tsl-tsi-tsi-tsi-tsi-tsl.  The  whole  is  sung 
crescendo,  and  has  an  abrupt  termination.  As  the 
season  advances,  the  foregoing  notes  become  more 
mellow  and  warbling;  and  though  feeble,  are  yet 
pleasing.  It  commences  to  sing  from  its  first  ap- 
pearance in  May,  and  continues  its  refrains,  at 
brief  intervals,  until  its  departure  in  September. 

The  nests  of  this  bird  as  described  by  Dr.  Brewer, 
are  "  strongly  and  compactly  built  externally  of 
coarse  strips  of  various  kinds  of  bark,  and  lined 
within  with  hair  and  fine  stems  of  grasses."  In 
several  instances,  they  have  been  known  to  be 
roofed  over  after  the  fashion  of  the  Golden- 
crowned  Thrush.  Mr.  Nuttall  speaks  of  the  nest 
as  being  built  upon  the  ground  "on  the  surface  of 
a  shelving  rock,"  and  constructed  of  "coarse 
strips  of  the  inner  bark  of  the  Abies  canadensis 


94  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 


externally,  and  internally,  of  soft,  decayed  leaves 
and  dry  grasses,  and  lined  with  a  thin  layer  of 
black  hair."  Mr.  Burroughs  speaks  of  a  nest 
which  he  discovered  as  being  "placed  upon  the 
ground  at  the  foot  of  a  stump,  and  in  such  a  posi- 
tion that  the  color  of  the  young  harmonized  per- 
fectly- with  the  bits  of  bark,  sticks,  etc.,  lying 
about." 

The  parents  are  both  affectionate  and  consider- 
ate toward  their  young,  and  manifest  no  uneasiness 
in  the  presence  of  strangers. 

The  eggs  vary  in  configuration  from  a  rounded 
to  an  oblong-oval.  Their  ground-color  is  a  creamy- 
white  with  an  apparently  pinkish  tinge,  which  is 
imparted  thereto  by  the  bright  red  dots  and 
blotches  which  are  scattered  more  or  less  pro- 
fusely over  their  surfaces.  In  size  they  vary  from 
.70  to  .75  in  length  and  from  .50  to  .52  of  an  inch 
in  breadth. 

Parula  Americana,  Bonap. 

The  Blue  Yellow-backed  Warbler  is  one  of  the 
most  attractive  of  its  family.  It  arrives  in  Phila- 
delphia during  the  first  week  in  May,  and  by  the 
28th  of  the  same  month,  it  has  retired  to  its  more 
northern  breeding-quarters. 

During  its  early  stay,  it  is  a  frequenter  of 
high,  open  woods,  bordering  swampy  grounds, 
where  amid  the  blossoms  and  foliage  of  the  tallest 
trees  it  delights  to  forage.  A  true  Warbler  in 
most  of  its  attributes,  it  possesses  many  of  the 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  95 

habits  of  the  Panda,  in  the  comparative  ease  with 
which  it  moves  along  the  trunks  and  branches  of 
trees,  and  the  gracefulness  and  freedom  with 
which  it  suspends  itself  from  a  swaying  bough. 

Few  species  display  less  timidity  and  suspicion. 
During  the  month  of  May  when  our  ordinary 
Pyrus  mains  is  in  bloom,  it  leaves  its  accustomed 
haunts  for  our  gardens  and  orchards,  where  it 
derives  an  ample  subsistence. 

Mr.  Audubon  in  speaking  of  this  bird,  alludes 
to  -its  habit  of  flitting  over  humid  localities,  the 
borders  of  ponds,  and  small  streams,  in  quest  of 
prey  which  it  pursues  with  considerable  ardor. 
This  allusion  would  aptly  apply  to  the  little 
Maryland  Yellow  Throat  in  every  particular,  but 
has  never  been  observed  in  our  study  of  the 
species  under  consideration.  It  is  impossible  to 
say  what  course  of  action  a  change  of  environment 
would  determine. 

During  its  vernal  stay,  we  have  never  heard  its 
song,  although  our  opportunities  have  been  many 
and  frequent.  From  beginning  to  end  it  remains 
the  same  songless  but  energetic  little  creature. 

Its  flight  is  generally  lofty,  quick,  and  moder- 
ately sustained.  Its  movements  whilst  feeding 
are  characterized  by  wonderful  agility. 

Insects  constitute  its  principal  diet ;  but  the 
pollen  with  the  disruptured  anthers  of  apple  and 
pear  blossoms,  and  others,  form  an  important  part. 
Thefollowinglist  is  but  a  small  fraction  of  its  volum- 
inous bill  of  fare: — Feronia  chalcitcs,  Platynns  cupri- 


96  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   BIRDS 


iSy  Thaneroclerus  sanguinalis,  Harpalus  corn- 
par,  H.  pensylvanicus,  Chrysomela  cceruleipennis, 
Formica  sanguinea,  Apis  mellifica,  Aphis  mail  in 
profusion,  and  innumerable  small  spiders.  We 
have  often  witnessed  its  capture  of  small  bees  and 
diptera,  which  it  accomplishes  with  nearly  the 
adroitness  of  the  Muscicapidce. 

Mr.  Trippe  describes  its  song  as  being  sharp 
and  lisping,  yet  varied  and  agreeable. 

The  nests  are  occasionally  fastened  to  the  trunks 
of  trees,  but  more  generally  are^  suspended  from 
branches  at  an  elevation  of  a  few  feet  above  the 
ground.  They  are  beautifully  and  ingeniously 
wrought  of  long  grey  lichens  which  depend  from 
the  trees  upon  which  the  fabric  is  built.  An  elabo- 
rate intertwining  of  these  fibres  constitutes  the 
major  part,  if  not  the  entire  structure.  Whilst  the 
female  is  employed  in  incubation,  when  not  en- 
gaged in  the  procurement  of  food  the  male  devotes 
his  spare  moments  to  the  improvement  and  en- 
largement of  the  nest. 

The  eggs  are  four,  sometimes  five  in  number, 
with  a  few  markings  of  reddish-brown,  purple  and 
lilac  upon  a  pure  white  background.  They  have 
an  average  length  of  .64  of  an  inch,  and  in  breadth 
range  from  .49  to  .50. 

It  returns  during  the  first  week  in  September, 
and  remains  with  us  until  the  middle  of  October, 
when  it  takes  up  its  southward-bound  journey. 
During  its  autumnal  stay  it  is  a  resident  of  high 
woodlands,  and  forages  among  the  leaves  and 
branches  of  the  tallest  trees. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  97 

Helmitherus  vcrmivonis,  Bonap. 

The  Worm-eating-  Warbler  has  never  been  seen 
by  us  within  the  precincts  of  Philadelphia,  though 
we  have  diligently  scoured  the  country  in  quest 
of  it.  In  Chester  County  we  have  observed  soli- 
tary individuals  during  the  early  part  of  May.  It 
makes  the  most  unfrequented  part  of  the  woods 
its  home,  beyond  the  precincts  of  which  it  is  never 
seen. 

It  is  the  most  agile  of  its  family,  darting  about 
hither  and  thither,  wherever  there  is  a  probability 
of  capturing  a  spider  for  which  it  affects  a  great 
fondness.  It  is  principally  arboreal  in  its  predilec- 
tions, but  occasionally  descends  to  the  ground  and 
rummages  among  the  fallen  leaves  for  insect-life. 

Their  notes  and  habits  are  said  by  Nuttall  to  re- 
semble those  of  Pants  atricapillus.  The  same 
writer  also  reiriarks  that  they  are  continually  utter- 
ing a  call  of  complaint  which  sounds  like  tshe-de- 
de. 

The  nest  is  said  by  Mr.  Jackson  of  Westchester, 
Penn.,  to  be  located  ''in  a  hollow  in  the  ground," 
and  completely  concealed  from  view  by  dry  leaves 
which  thickly  strewed  the  ground.  It  was  com- 
posed externally  of  dead  leaves,  mostly  of  beech, 
while  the  interior  was  prettily  lined  with  fine 
thread-like  stalks  of  the  hair-moss,  (Poly  trie  huni). 

The  usual  complement  of  eggs  is  five,  while 
nests  have  often  been  found  with  but  four.  "They 
are  round-oval  in  configuration,  with  a  clear 

G 


98  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

white  ground,  and  marked  with  minute  spots  of 
reddish-brown  which  are  more  numerous  and 
confluent  at  the  larger  end.  They  measure  on  an 
average  .74  of  an  inch  in  length  and  .55  in 
breadth. 

Helminthophaga  chrysopteray  Caban. 

The  Golden-winged  Warbler  as  this  species  is 
popularly  called,  is  by  no  means  a  very  common 
migrant  in  eastern  Pennsylvania.  It  arrives 
among  us  during  the  first  week  of  May,  and 
usually  lingers  until  the  fifteenth  of  the  same 
month.  It  is  notably  tame  and  unsuspecting,  and 
of  easy  approach.  It  is  a  common  visitor  to  our 
orchards  and  gardens,  where  it  delights  to  glean 
among  the  leaves  and  blossoms  of  the  apple  and 
cherry  for  insect-life.  It  has  but  little  preference 
for  woodland  scenery. 

Among  the  foliage  and  branches  ftf  trees  it  dis- 
plays surprising  agility,  and  manifests  many  of 
the  attributes  of  the  Titmice  and  Flycatchers.  It, 
however,  measurably  lacks  the  address  of  Parula 
Americana. 

Whilst  feeding  not  even  a  simple  call-note, 
much  less  a  song  does  it  essay  to  utter,  during  its 
transient  stay. 

We  have  discovered  in  the  stomachs  of  several 
individuals  traces  of  Platynus  cupripennis.Harpahis 
compar,  Cratonychus  cinereus,  Ckrysomela  cceru- 
leipennis,  Formica  sanguinea,  Aphis  mali,  and 
others  of  the 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  99 

The  nest  of  this  Warbler  is  built  upon  the 
ground,  and  is  unusually  large  for  so  small  a 
bird,  being  five  inches  in  diameter  and  four  inches 
in  height.  A  nest  discovered  by  the  late  "Dr. 
Alexander  Gerhardt,  in  Georgia,  was  composed 
externally  of  the  desiccated  leaves  of  divers 
deciduous  trees  variously  interwoven  with  dry 
sedges,  black  vegetable  roots  and  fine  strips  of 
bark,  and  the  entire  structure  lined  with  fine 
leaves,  grasses,  and  roots  interlacing  each  other. 
According  to  the  authority  of  the  lamented  Ger- 
hardt, these  nests  are  built  under  tussocks  of 
grass,  in  clumps  ofbusl.es,  and  on  the  ground. 

The  eggs  are  from  four  to  five  in  number,  of  a 
pure  white,  with  a  few  reddish-brown  spots  en- 
circling the  larger  end.  Their  relative  size  varies 
with  the  latitude.  Some  measure  nearly  .70  of  an 
inth  in  length  and  .53  in  breadth ;  others  have  a 
measurement  of  .63  by  .48  of  an  inch. 

Dendroeca  cestiva,  Baird. 

This  beautiful  and  attractive  species,  the  Blue- 
eyed  Yellow  Warbler,  is  a  not  uncommon  migrant. 
It  reaches  our  latitude  during  the  first  week  of 
May.  Remarkably  trustful  it  prefers  man's  so- 
ciety to  the  wild  retreats  of  nature.  By  its  agree- 
able ditty  and  familiarity  it  has  won  our  favor  and 
esteem. 

Within  the  maples  and  horse-chestnuts  that 
line  our  principal  thoroughfares  it  delights  to 
dwell,  making  them  vocal  with  music.  Upon  the 


IOO  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

nethermost  branches  just  above  the  head  of  a 
pedestrian  it  frequently  perches,  and  all  enrap- 
tured with  the  spirit  of  sweet  song,  pours  forth  its 
dulcet  strains  unmindful  of  passing  footsteps. 
Though  chiefly  arboreal  in  habits,  it  is  sometimes 
driven  by  necessity  to  grovelling  pursuits.  It 
seldom  aspires  to  lofty  heights.  In  general  habits 
there  is  a  striking  resemblance  to  Chrysomitris 
tristis,  notwithstanding  their  remote  affinities. 

The  flight  of  this  bird  is  low,  quick,  and  moder- 
ately sustained.  Among  the  foliage  of  trees  its 
movements  are  rather  sprightly,  and  betray  un- 
mistakeable  similarity  to  the  Titmice. 

Its  song  is  simple  and  pleasing,  and  sustains  a 
close  resemblance  to  the  Maryland  Yellow  Throat. 
After  a  careful  study  we  are  prepared  to  represent 
its  syllabic  expression  with  considerable  exactness. 
The  syllables  whlt-ft-tee-tee-tee-tee  uttered  loudly, 
forcibly,  and  with  a  gradually  rising  cadence,  will 
convey  a  clear  idea  of  its  language.  In  early 
morning  the  song  is  heard  in  its  full  vigor,  and 
continues  until  the  sun  has  attained  the  zenith  of 
his  power,  when  it  perceptibly  diminishes  in  force 
and  frequency. 

Small  beetles  and  diptera  constitute  its  food 
early  in  the  season;  but,  later,  the  larvae  and 
imagos  of  lepidoptera  are  in  great  demand. 
Several  stomach-examinations  reveal  reliable  evi- 
dences of  Chrysomela  cceruleipennis,  Donacia  me- 
tallica,  Bostrichus  pini,  Platynus  cupripennis,  Har- 
palus  tompar,  Casnonia  pennsyivanica,  Haltica 


OF   EASTERN   PENNSYLVANIA,     ,:,        '  lOI 

chalybea,  among  coleoptera;  SyrpJms  obliquus, 
Stomoxys  calcitrant,  Scatophaga  furcata,  Culex 
t&niorhynchus  and  Tipula  ferruginea,  among  dip- 
tera;  besides  ants  and  aphides.  As  the  season 
advances,  the  larvae  of  Anisopteryx  vernata,  Eufit- 
chia  ribearia,  Gortyna  zece,  Dryocampa  rubicunda, 
and  mature  forms  of  Spilosoma  Virginica,  Harri- 
sina  Americana,  Lithosia  miniata,  Orgya  leucos- 
tigma,  Penthina  pomonella, '  and  many  of  the 
Tortricids  and  Tineids.  Still  later  in  the  season, 
seeds  and  berries  in  great  quantities  are  eaten. 
We  have  often  observed  this  species  subsisting 
upon  the  ripened  seeds  of  the  various  species  of 
Cirsium  with  Chrysomitris  tristis.  The  berries 
of  ^miperus  Virginiana  constitute  a  racy  viand. 

Nidification  begins  about  the  middle  of  June 
and  is  the  first  labor  of  the  sexes.  They  work 
with  commendable  diligence  until  the  completion 
of  their  task.  The  nest  is  invariably  suspended 
from  several  twigs  to  which  it  is  firmly  attached. 
It  is  neatly,  tastefully,  and  skilfully  constucted.  A 
variety  of  materials  is  utilized  in  nest-fabrication ; 
though  the  same  nest  is  quite  homogeneous  in  the 
elements  ot  the  composition.  In  a  fair  sample 
before  us,  this  homogeneity  is  carried  to  an  ex- 
treme degree.  The  exterior  is  almost  wholly  a 
mass  of  vegetable  fibres,  with  a  slight  interlacing 
of  the  flexible  culms  of  grasses.  A  careful  ex- 

o 

amination  of  these  fibres,  exhibits  remarkable 
structural  uniformity,  as  if  they  had  been  plucked 
from  a  single  or  several  closely  allied  plant-species. 


,02  .  I  IFE-mst  OKIES   OF 

Two  grades  of  fibres  are  readily  identified,  differ- 
ing slightly  in  color  and  texture;  perhaps  the  pro- 
ducts of  Linum  virginianum,  and  possibly  of  usi- 
tatissimum  which  is  occasionally  spontaneous  in 
cultivated  grounds.  The  interior  is  lined  with  the 
woolly  furze  of  Eriophorwn  virginicum,  and  that  of 
various  ferns,  which  render  the  fabric  both  cozy 
and  comfortable. 

To  build  a  nest  is  the  work  of  three  days.  Ovipo- 
sition  follows  close  upon  its  completion.  After 
the  full  complement  of  eggs  islaid,  incubation  im- 
mediately follows,  and  continues  during  a  period 
of  1 1  days.  This  Warbler  is  famous  for  its  de- 
votion to  its  young  and  the  anxiety  which  it  mani- 
fests even  when  the  nest  is  unoccupied;  this  latter 
feeling  frequently  betraying  its  whereabouts.  In 
this  latitude  two  broods  are  generally  raised  in  a 
season,  although  instances  are  known,  where  a 
third  has  been  successfully  raised.  The  middle  of 
September  is  fixed  upon  as  the  .date  of  their  de- 
parture for  more  genial  climes. 

The  eggs  of  this  species  are  ordinarily  five,  and 
occasionally  six  in  number.  They  have  a  light 
green  ground-color,  and  are  variously  marked  with 
light  purple,  purplish-brown  and  lilac  dots  and 
blotches.  They  vary  in  length  from  .61  to  .70  of 
an  inch,  and  from  .48  to  .52  in  breadth. 

Dendrceca  virens,  Baird. 

The  Black-throated  Green  Warbler  is  rather 
abundant  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania  during  its  ver- 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  103 

nal  migration,  making  its  appearance  not  earlier 
than  the  loth  of  May,  and  then  only  in  high  open 
woodlands  where  it  is  a  busy  gleaner  among  the 
foliage  and  branchlets  for  various  insects.  It  is  an 
exceedingly  active  little  creature,  and  in  habits  re- 
sembles both  the  Paridce  and  Vireonidtz.  With 
the  nimbleness  and  gracefulness  of  Pants  atrica- 
pillus,  it  clambers  about,  freely  suspending  itself 
from  the  under  surface  of  a  branch,  and  ever  and 
anon  being  diverted  therefrom  by  a  passing  insect 
which  it  seizes  with  great  adroitness,  after  the 
fashion  of  the  Vireos.  • 

Whilst  in  wooded  regions  its  foraging  is  re- 
stricted to  the  uppermost  branches,  and  is  pro- 
secuted with  considerable  celerity,  froni  branch  to 
branch,  and  from  tree  to  tree.  But  as  its  stay  is 
prolonged,  it  changes  its  base  of  operation;  about 
the  time  the  apple  is  in  blossom,  it  visits  our 
orchards  and  lawns  for  the  insects  which  are  at- 
tracted to  their  bloom.  It  now  becomes  notably 
tame  and  unsuspicious  and  easy  of  approach. 

Its  food  consists  almost  wholly  of  small  beetles 
which  it  gleans  among  the  leaves,  and  various 
small  diptera  which  Vireo-like  it  captures  on  the 
wing.  Although  chiefly  arboreal,  it  is  not  exclu- 
sively so,  as  it  occasionally  descends  to  the  earth  to 
complete  a  meal.  We  have  found  within  its  stomach, 
larvae  of,  Cr atony  chits  cinereus,  mature  forms  of 
Chrysomela  cceruleipennis,  Platynus  cupripennis, 
Cymindis  viridipennis,  Harpalus  compar,  B^strichus 
pini,  Formica  sang^dnea^  Apis  melliftca,  a  species 


IO4  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

of  Cynip,  Aphis  mail,  Musca  domestica,  Tabanns 
lineola,  Tipula  ferruginea,  Anthrax  elongata  and 
Stomoxys  calcitrans. 

From  its  first  appearance  till  its  departure  to 
more  northern  habitats  for  breeding-purposes 
about  the  26th  of  May,  it  is  the  same  busy,  song- 
less  creature.  Its  silence  should  not  excite  comment 
nor  provoke  surprise.  With  its  attention  so  com- 
pletely concentrated  upon  selfish  gratifications,  the 
finer  feelings  of  its  nature,  have  a  poor  chance  to 
develop  themselves.  The  song  of  the  male  is  de- 
scribed by  Mr.  Nuttall  as  a  simple  chant  re- 
sembling the  syllables  te-de-teritse-a,  with  a  loud, 
drawling  and  plaintive  enunciation.  We  may 
add  in  this  connection,  that  the  birds  were  nesting 
at  the  time  when  Mr.  Nuttall  surprised  the  male 
thus  engaged,  from  which  we  infer  that,  like  many 
others,  it  becomes  empowered  with  song  only 
when  actuated  by  amatory  influences. 

The  birds  generally  nidificate  in  tall  trees  within 
dense  thickets;  but  Mr.  Nuttall  describes  one 
which  he  found  in  a  low  and  stunted  juniper,  (a 
somewhat  unusual  location).  According  to  Dr. 
Brewer  they  are  "small,  snug,  compact  structures, 
built  on  a  base  of  fine  strips  of  bark,  bits  of  leaves 
and  stems  of  plants."  The  upper  rims  are  a  cir- 
cular intertwining  of  fine  slender  twigs,  inter- 
woven with  a  few  fine  stems  of  the  most  delicate 
grasses.  The  inner  portions  of  these  nests  are 
very  softly  and  warmly  bedded  with  the  fine  down 
and  silky  stems  of  plants.  They  have  a  diameter 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  1 05 

of  three  and  a  quarter  inches,  and  a  height  of  one 
and  a  half.  -The  cavity  is  two  inches  in  diameter 
and  one  and  a  half  in  height. 

The  eggs  are  usually  four  in  number,  with 
numerous  dots  and  blotches  of  purplish-brown 
upon  a  white  or  flesh-colored  background,  scat- 
tered over  the  entire  surface,  but  mainly  about  the 
larger  end. 

Dcndrceca  cczrulescens,  Baird. 

The  Black-throated  Blue  Warbler  as  this 
species  is  called  in  unscientific  language,  is  neither 
very  rare  nor  very  abundant.  It  arrives  early  in 
May,  and  retires  to  its  breeding-quarters  not 
earlier  than  the  27th  of  this  month,  its  stay  being 
prolonged  a  trifle  over  three  weeks.  Its  habits  of 
feeding  are  solitary,  mostly  arboreal,  and*  mainly 
restricted  to  dense  forests,  where  among  the 
smaller  trees  and  bushes  it  gleans  a  scanty  sub- 
sistence. When  driven  by  necessity  to  the  taller 
trees,  unlike  its  near  congener  whose  history  we 
have  just  detailed,  it  never  visits  the  topmost 
boughs,  but  restricts  itself  exclusively  to  the 
lower  branches. 

As  the  season  advances,  attracted  by  the  blos- 
soms of  the  apple  and  cherry,  it  retires  from 
woodland  scenery  and  seeks  the  haunts  of  man, 
where  it  fares  more  luxuriously,  and  with  less 
outlay  of  strength.  There  is  now  a  marked 
change  in  its  demeanor.  Confidence  and  courage 
have  given  place  to  suspicion  and  timidity. 


106  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

In  habits  there  is  a  closer  resemblance  to  the 
Muscicapidce  than  to  the  Paridce.  Along  the 
trunks  and  branches  of  trees  it  moves,  and  freely 
suspends  itself  therefrom  with  comparative  ease, 
but  with  less  gracefulness  and  dexterity  than  is 
noticeable  in  Dendrceca  castanea.  In  the  capture 
of  insects  it  particularly  excels.  The  .peculiar 
clicking  noise  which  is  heard  after  a  racy  tidbit  has 
been  engulphed,  is  characteristic  of  the  Fly- 
catchers. 

Its  flight  is  moderately  elevated,  gracefully  un- 
dulating, and  but  poorly  sustained. 

The  soncr  of  this  Warbler  which  we  have  fre- 

o 

quently  heard  and  carefully  studied,  may  be  fitly 
expressed  in  language  by  ise-ah,  tse-ah,  tse  pro- 
nounced loud  and  quick;  the  last  syllable  ending 
very  abruptly.  Whilst  feeding  it  will  occasionally 
stop,  peer  around,  utter  a  low,  simple  twlch,  and 
resume  operations. 

Traces  of  Cratonychus  cinereus,  C.  pertinax, 
Haltica  chalybea,  Cymindis  viridipennis,  Chryso- 
mela  formos a,  Formica  sanguinea,  small  spiders 
and  various  aphides  have  been  found  among  the 
undigested  contents  of  several  stomachs.  Like 
many  others  of  its  family-relations,  the  ripened 
anthers  and  immature  ovaries  of  apple  and  cherry 
blossoms  it  considers  a  great  luxury. 

This  species  is  not  known  to  breed  in  Pennsyl- 
vania. Several  pairs  were  observed  by  Mr.  Nutt- 
all  among  the  Alleghanies  near  Farranville,  Pa., 
under  rather  suspicious  circumstances.  Further 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  IOJ 

north  in  New  York,  Massachusetts,  Nova  Scotia, 
and  south,  occasionally  in  Cuba,  according  to  the 
authority  of  De  la  Sagra,  its  breeding-quarters 
have  been  discovered.  To  ourknowledge  of  its  nest 
and  eggs  we  are  indebted  to  Mr.  John  Burroughs, 
who  with  his  nephew7  Mr.  C.  B.  Deyce,  first  discover- 
ed it  breeding  in  a  thicket  of  hemlocks  in  Roxbury, 
Delaware  County,  N.  Y.,  early  in  July,  1871.  The 
nest  was  built  in  the  fork  of  a  small  hemlock,  at  an 
elevation  of  fifteen  inches  above  the  ground.  Ex- 
ternally it  was  composed  of  strips  of  decayed  liber, 
chiefly  of  basswood,  somewhat  loosely  arranged 
and  strengthened  by  rootlets,  fine  twigs  and  frag- 
ments of  wood  and  bark.  Within  this  fabric  was 
placed  a  compact,  well-woven  nest,  consisting  of 
small  roots,  pine-needles,  twigs  and  hair,  elaborately 
interwoven.  The  cavity  was  capacious,  two  and 
a  third  inches  in  diameter  at  the  rim,  and  one  and 
a  half  in  depth. 

The  eggs  are  oval  in  shape,  narrower  at  one 
end,  marked  with  an  umber-brown  circle  at  the 
larger  end,  with  lighter  markings  of  reddish-brown 
and  obscure  purple  upon  a  grayish-white  ground 
which  is  pinkish  in  the  unblown  egg;  a  few  dot- 
tings  of  the  above  shades  are  sparingly  scattered 
over  the  rest  of  the  egg.  They  are  from  four  to 
five  in  number,  and  measure  .70  of  an  inch  in  length 
snd  .50  in  breadth. 

During  the  breeding-period,  the  parents  are  re- 
markably suspicious  and  endeavor  by  an  assumed 
confidence  to  mislead  intruders  from  the  exact 


'IOS  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS. 

location  of  the  nest.  When  the  nest  is  discovered, 
the  birds  manifest  the  utmost  consternation,  and 
with  a  recklessness  that  knows  no  bounds,  throw 
themselves  down  at  the  very  feet  of  their  assailants. 

DendrcEca  ccerulca,  Baird. 

The  Cserulean  Warbler  is  an  exceedingly  rare 
species  and  but  little  known.  Of  its  breeding- 
habits  we  need  more  information  to  enable  us  to 
detail  its  history  with  any  degree  of  exactness.  It 
makes  its  appearance  in  our  midst  during  the  first 
week  of  May,  and  retires  further  north,  after  a  brief 
sojourn. 

They  delight  in  low  grounds  and  the  borders  of 
streams,  which  they  occasionally  desert  for  high 
wooded  regions  where  they  may  be  seen  gleaning 
among  the  branches  of  the  tallest  trees.  They  are 
excessively  timid  and  suspicious,  and  not  easily 
obtainable.  Their  habits  remind  us  of  the  Fly- 
catchers especially,  although  in  some  particulars, 
they  imitate  the  Titmice.  Its  only  note  in  the  in- 
tervals of  feeding  is  a  simple  cheep. 

We  have  never  heard  its  song;  the  birds  in  this 
particular  maintaining  the  most  astonishing  pas- 
sivity. Mr.  Audubon  speaks  of  it  as  being  neither 
loud  nor  prolonged,  but  exceedingly  sweet  and 
mellow. 

The  food  of  this  species  consists  of  the  following 
insects: — Chrysomelaformosa,  C.  C(zruleipennisy  Cra- 
tonychus  pertinax,  Haltica  chalybea,  Cymindis  viri- 
dipennis,  and  others  not  identified,  besides  spiders 
and  diptera,  unrecognizable. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  1 09 

The  nest  is  described  by  Mr.  Audubon  as  being 
built  within  the  forks  of  a  low  tree  or  shrub,  par- 
tially pensile,  projecting  beyond  attachments 
superiorly,  and  extending  inferiorly  to  a  depth  of 
two  inches.  It  is  composed  of  the  stalks  of  herba- 
ceous plants,  fibres  of  the  vine,  and  rootlets  ar- 
ranged circularly,  and  lined  with  the  dry  threads 
of  the  Spanish  moss.  The  nest  from  \vhich  the 
above  description  was  made,  was  taken  in  the 
State  of  Louisiana. 

When  the  female  is  annoyed  during  the  incubat- 
ing process,  she  is  said  to  trail  along  the  branches 
with  fallen  wings  after  the  fashion  of  D.  czstiva, 
uttering  the  while  the  most  plaintive  notes.  The 
young  have  a  strong  partiality  for  tree-tops  which 
are  thickly  enveloped  with  grapevines;  occasion- 
ally they  alight  upon  tall  weeds  and  subsist  upon 
their  seeds.  On  retirement  from  the  nest,  they 
forage  together  in  company  with  their  parents, 
evincing  surprising  agility  in  the  pursuit  and 
capture  of  insects. 

The  eggs  are  five  in  number,  of  a  beautiful 
white,  with  a  sprinkling  of  reddish  spots  about 
the  larger  end. 

Dcndrocca  coronata,  Gray. 

This  species,  commonly  designated  the  Yellow- 
rumped  Warbler,  is  the  most  abundant  of  all  our 
migrants,  and  also  the  earliest,  making  its  appear- 
ance often  during  the  second  week  of  April,  but 
never  later  than  the  third.  In  small  flocks  of  a  dozen 


110  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

or  more  it  may  be  seen  among  the  low  trees  and 
bushes  along  our  water-courses.  Isolated  indi- 
viduals have  been  observed  by  us  on  the  out- 
skirts of  dense  woods,  gleaning  for  insects  among 
the  leaves  and  branches  of  the  tallest  trees.N  Just 
before  their  departure,  they  visit  our  haunts  in 
great  numbers,  where  they  derive  a  ready  sub- 
sistence. Unlike  the  Red  Poll,  their  stay  is  brief. 
With  a  most  voracious  appetite  they  hurry  from 
tree  to  tree  and  are  soon  out  of  our  midst. 

Its  habits  are  those  of  the  Muscicapida,  being 
less  expert,  however,  than  many  of  its  congeneric 
relations. 

The  flight  of  this  species  is  low,  slightly  undu- 
lating, and  moderately  sustained. 

The  only  note  which  it  essays  to  utter  during 
its  short  stay,  is  a  simple  tweet,  which  is  heard  at 
irregular  intervals  during  the  passage  from  tree 
to  tree. 

Notably  unsuspicious  even  in  its  natural  haunts, 
the  subject  of  the  present  sketch  will  permit  the 
closest  approach  without  betrayal  of  fear  or  alarm. 

During  its  vernal  stay,  its  bill  of  fare  is  as 
various  as  it  is  voluminous.  We  have  detected 
indubitable  fragments  of  the  following  insects,  in 
the  stomachs  of  the  numerous  individuals  which 
we  have  been  permitted  to  examine: — Cratony- 
chits  cinercus,  C.  pertinax,  Sea  riles  subtcrraneus, 
•  Harpalus  pennsylvanicus,  If.  compar,  Casnonia 
pennsylvanica,  Platynus  ciipripennis,  Corymbites 
Chrysonida  cce.'iileipennis,  Bostrichus 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  I  I  I 

pini,  Donacia  metallica,  Formica  sanguined,  Apis 
mellifrca,  Tabanns  lincola,  Scalophaga  furcata, 
Tipula  ferruginea,  and  the  common  earthworm. 
It  is  evident  from  the  many  terrestrial  beetles 
which  add  materially  to  its  diet,  that  it  is  far  from 
being  exclusively  arboreal.  During  its  autumnal 
stay,  the  seeds  of  various  weeds  and  grasses,  with 
the  berries  ®{ Juniperus  Virginiana  are  eagerly 
devoured. 

We  can  find  no  evidence  that  this  Warbler 
breeds  in  the  United  States,  although  it  is  highly 
probable  that  future  explorations  will  show  that  it 
does  so  in  our  northeastern  States,  to  a  limited 
extent.  Neither  Wilson,  Nuttall,  nor  Audubon 
appears  to  have  met  with  its  nest,  although  the 
latter  received  one  from  Prof.  McCulloch,  of 
Halifax. 

To  Dr.  Brewer,  of  Boston,  we  are  indebted  for 
a  description  of  its  nest.  Early  in  July,  1855,  he 
obtained  a  nest  of  this  species  in  Parsboro,  Nova 
Scotia.  It  was  located  upon  a  low  bush  in  the 
heart  of  a  small  village.  The  smaller  branches  of 
the  horizontal  limb  upon  which  it  reposed  were 
interwoven  into  its  structure,  thus  strengthening 
it  materially.  Exteriorly,  it  was  formed  of  fine 
stalks  of  grasses,  and  slender  twigs  and  roots; 
within  of  fine  grasses,  downy  feathers,  and  the 
hair  of  small  mammals.  It  measured  two  inches 
in  depth,  and  four  and  a  half  in  diameter,  with  a 
cavity  one  and  a  half  inches  deep,  and  two  and  a 
half  wide. 


. 
I  I  2  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

The  eggs  are  rounded-oval  in  shape,  and 
marked  with  reddish-brown,  purple  and  dark- 
brown  blotches  and  spots,  upon  a  white  ground- 
color which  often  presents  a  bluish  tinge.  They 
are  six  in  number,  and  average  .76  of  an  inch  in 
length  and  .53  in  breadth. 

During  incubation  the  parents  are  exceedingly 
shy,  and  can  be  approached  only  with  the  greatest 
difficulty. 

Dendrceca  blackburnicz,  Baird. 

The  Orange  throated  or  Blackburnian  Warbler 
is  a  very  late  migrant  which  reaches  the  latitude 
of  Philadelphia  not  earlier  that  the  1 5th  of  May, 
and  retires  about  the  22nd  of  the  same  month.  Its 
early  presence  is  restricted  to  tall  open  woods 
with  a  slight  undergrowth,  which  it  subsequently 
deserts  for  the  borders  of  fields  and  thickets,  where 
it  may  be  found  foraging  high  up  in  the  tulip- 
poplar,  for  insects.  Mainly  arboreal  whilst  feed- 
ing, we  have  seen  it  busily  searching  a  heap  of 
freshly- turned  earth  for  food,  and  even  using  its 
feet  like  the  Brown  Thrasher  which  is  exceedingly 
rasorial. 

In  woods  it  delights  in  the  tallest  tree-tops  where 
it  may  be  seen  for  long  periods,  gleaning  with  all 
the  address  and  perseverance  of  a  Flycatcher,  and 
moving  about  with  the  wonted  agility  of  aTitmouse. 
Few  species  exhibit  greater  activity  and  nimble- 
ness  than  the  one  under  consideration.  It  will 
sometimes  descend  from  its  leafy  height  to  mingle 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  113 

with  its  less  ambitious  brethren  in  the  lower  walks 
of  life. 

When  driven  "by  necessity  to  humbler  fields  it 
permits  the  nearest  approach  with  the  least  mani- 
festation of  timidity. 

It  is  a  solitary  feeder,  except  when  brought  into 
the  presence  of  its  own  kith  and  strangers,  by  the 
merest  chance.  As  it  comes,  so  it  departs. 

The  flight  of  this  species  is  high,  gracefully  un- 
dulating, and  tolerably  well  sustained. 

During  its  stay  it  is  devoid  of  song.  According 
to  Mr.  Audubon  it  has  a  very  sweet  song  of  five  or 
six  notes,  comparatively  loud  for  the  size  of  the 
bird. 

Its  area  of  reproduction  is  not  accurately  known, 
but  its  southern  limit  is  supposed  to  be  the  high 
wooded  regions  of  Pennsylvania,  New  York,  and 
New  England.  Its  most  northern  summer  habitat 
is  probably  Greenland,  as  a  young  bird  was  cap- 
tured by  Holboll,  October  16,  1845,  at  Fredericks- 
haub;  Dr.  Bachman  has  discovered  it  nidificating 
in  Lansingburgh,  N.  Y.;  Mr.  Audubon  has  found 
it  breeding  in  northeastern  Maine,  in  New  Bruns- 
wick, in  the  Magdalene  Islands,  and  in  Newfound- 
land and  Labrador;  Mr.  Allen  supposed  it  to 
breed  in  the  vicinity  of  Springfield,  Mass.,  as  in- 
dividuals have  been  obtained  as  late  as  June  24; 
and  Prof.  Verrill  affirms  it  a  summer  resident  of 
western  Maine. 

A  nest  presented  to  Mr.  Audubon  by  Mr. 
McCulloch,  was  built  in  the  small  fork  of  a  tree 

n 


114  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

at  a  height  of  five  feet  above  the  ground,  and 
close  by  a  small  stream  of  water.  It  was  con- 
structed, externally,  of  divers  materials,  and  lined 
with  fine  pieces  of  bark  and  a  dense  layer  of 
feathers  and  horse-hair. 

Another  nest  which  was  obtained  in  a  wild, 
sequestered  portion  of  Roxbury,  Mass.,  in  the 
summer  of  1838,  was  located  in  a  bush  a  few  feet 
from  the  ground.  This  structure,  in  some  par- 
ticulars, resembled,  externally,  a  nest  of  the 
Maryland  Yellow-throat,  being  formed  of  coarse, 
dry  grasses;  but,  internally,  it  was  more  cozily 
lined  with  soft  fur  and  feathers,  than  is  ordinarily 
the  case  in  the  nests  of  this  species. 
„  The  eggs  in  this  last  nest  were  of  a  crystal 
whiteness,  and  marked  with  dark  purple  at  their 
larger  end;  and,  but  for  the  smallness  of  their 
size,  might  have  been  readily  taken  for  those  of 
G.  trichas. 

Its  food  consists  of  various  small  insects,  mostly 
coleopterous,  which  it  gathers  in  its  hurried  move- 
ments. We  have  discovered  in  the  stomachs  of 
several  individuals,  almost  perfect  remains  of  Bo$- 
trichus  pini,  Ckrysomela  cceruleipennis,  Cratonychus 
perttnax,  Platynus  cupripennis,  Formica  sangui- 
nea,  Apis  metli/ica,  aphides,  small  diptera,  and 
the  various  small  spiders  that  infest  the  bark  and 
leaves  of  trees. 

Dendroeca  striata,  Baird. 
The  Black-poll  Warbler  though  a  beautiful,  and 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  I  I  5 

familiar  species  in  New  England,  is  according  to 
our  experience,  an  occasional  visitant  in  Eastern 
Pennsylvania.  In  Southern  and  South-western 
New  Jersey  it  is  more  abundant.  It  makes  its  ap- 
pearance at  the  earliest,  from  the  i5th  to  the  2oth 
of  May,  and  lingers  usually  with  us  until  the  5th 
of  June  when  it  suddenly  disappears. 

Its  habits  remind  us  of  those  of  the  Mniotilta 
varia,  in  the  facility  with  which  it  moves  around 
the  trunks  of  trees  in  quest  of  insects;  it  is,  besides, 
an  expert  Flycatcher,  capturing  insects  after  the 
fashion  of  the  Wood  Pewee.  It  is  an  active,  rest- 
less creature,  seldom  remaining  any  considerable 
length  of  time  in  the  same  locality. 

The  duration  of  their  stay  depends  mainly  upen 
the  abundance  of  insect-food.  Though  chiefly 
denizens  of  low  swampy  woods  and  waste  fields 
overgrown  with  bushes  and  a  few  scattering 
trees,  during  the  greater  part  of  their  stay,  they 
sooner  or  later  forsake  these  haunts  for  the  habi- 
tation of  man,  where  in  the  adjoining  orchards  they 
glean  a  ready  subsistence.  They  now  manifest 
considerable  tameness,  and  permit  an  easy  ap- 
proach. 

Their  food  consists  of  the  larvae  and  pupae  of 
insects  which  they  obtain  from  creviced  bark, 
besides,  mature  forms  of  different  kinds.  Among 
the  latter,  may  be  mentioned  Chrysomela  ccerulei- 
pennis,  Cymindis  viridipennis,  Bostrichus  pini, 
Aphis  mali,  Apis  mellifica,  Muse  a  domestica,  Taba- 
nus  lineola,  Anisoptery-x  vernata,  and  others  com- 
mon to  the  season, 


I  I  6  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

Wilson  regarded  it  as  a  silent  bird,  which  has  also 
been  our  experience  in  this  latitude.  A  busy  and 
solitary  feeder,  it  seems  to  have  no  time  for  song. 
This,  however,  may  not  be  the  case  as  it  nears  its 
breeding-quarters,  when  it  becomes  actuated  by 
amatory  influences,  and  pours  out  the  very  soul  of 
its  being,  in  a  flood  of  song.  It  is  said  to  be  a 
varied,  pleasing,  yet  powerful  singer.  Mr.  Trippe 
characterizes  its  song  as  faint  and  lisping,  and 
made  up  of  four  or  five  syllables. 

We  have  never  expected  to  find  its  nest  in  this 
latitude,  although  Mr.  Wilson  entertained  such  a 
hope.  Mr.  Audubon  describes  a  nest  from  La- 
brador. Mr.  Lockhart  procured  a  nest  and  eggs 
at  Fort  Yukon,  and  they  have  also  been  taken*  in 
the  vicinity  of  Eastport,  and  at  Grand  Menan. 
They  are  usually  placed  within  trees,  at  a  slight 
elevation  above  the  ground;  in  a  few  instances, 
they  have  been  actually  built  upon  the  ground. 

According  to  Mr.  Audubon,  the  nest  is  com- 
posed on  the  outside  of  green  and  white  moss  and 
lichens,  with  an  intermixture  of  coarse  grasses; 
and  is  carefully  lined  with  dark-colored  mosses, 
and  a  thick  layer  of  soft  feathers  of  the  willow- 
grouse  and  ducks.  Its  internal  diameter  was  two, 
and  its  depth  one  and  a  half  inches.  It  was  built 
in  the  fork  of  a  small  branch,  close  to  the  main 
axis  of  a  species  of  fir,  about  four  feet  from  the 
ground. 

Dr.  Br.ewer  describes  the  nest  as  being  "built 
in  'thick  spruce-trees  in  the  midst  of  foliage  so 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  I  I  }r 

dense  as  hardly  to  be  noticeable."  Those  which 
he  found  around  Eastport,  and  at  Grand  Menan, 
were  large  and  bulky,  nearly  five  inches  in  diame- 
ter, with  a  depth  of  three.  They  were  built  prin- 
cipally of  the  tender  ends  of  the  branches  of  firs, 
pines,  and  spruce,  variously  interwoven,  and  bound 
together  by  slender,  herbaceous  roots,  finer  carices, 
and  elongated  branches  of  the  Cladonia  lichens; 
strongly,  compactly,  and  homogeneously  made, 
and  elaborately  lined  with  fine  straw  and  panicled 
grasses. 

Of  the  precise  time  of  nidification  and  incuba- 
tion we  are  ignorant.  Nests  with  eggs  have  been 
procured  as  early  as  June  9,  and  in  a  solitary 
instance,  a  nest  was  taken  containing  well- 
developed  embryos  on  the  first  of  the  same  month. 
From  these  data,  we  infer  that  nest-building  takes 
place  as  early  as  the  middle  of  May;  reasonable 
time  being  allowed  for  the  completion  of  the  nest 
and  the  laying  of  the  eggs. 

The  eggs  of  this  species  are  oblong-oval,  beau- 
tifully white  in  ground-color,  but  slightly  tinged 
with  pink  when  fresh,  and  spotted  and  blotched 
with  a  profusion  of  markings  of  subdued  lavender 
and  profounder  markings  of  dark-purple,  inter- 
mingled with  lighter  spots  of  reddish-brown.  They 
measure  .72  by  .50  of  an  inch.  The  usual  com- 
plement is  five,  though  six  are  occasionally  found. 

Dendrceca  castanea,  Baird. 
The  Bay-breasted  Warbler,  one  of  our  most 


Il8  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

usual  migrants,  occasionally  revisits  us  as  early  as 
the  25th  of  April,  but  generally  not  earlier  than 
the  first  of  May.  It  is  pre-eminently  solitary, 
and  occupies  chiefly  high,  open  woodlands,  where 
it  is  an  active  insect-hunter,  and  enlists  the  atten- 
tion by  its  agility,  as  it  darts  among  the  foliage, 
or  suspends  itself  from  twigs  with  fluttering 
wings.  It  frequents  the  loftiest  trees  in  quest  of 
food,  occasionally  descending  to  the  lower  branches 
as  necessity  impels.  When  it  deserts  its  natural 
retreats  for  civilized  haunts,  which  it  not  uncom- 
monly does,  it  delights  in  small  trees,  particularly 
the  apple  and  cherry,  amid  the  foliage  and  blossoms 
of  which  it  gleans  a  luxurious  subsistence.  It 
manifests  on  such  occasions  very  little  of  timidity. 
Instances  are  known  to  us,  where  visits  have  been 
paid  to,  trees  overhanging  doorways  which  were 
in  daily  use.  Its  lack  of  fear  and  of  comparative 
clistrustfulness  reminds  us  of  the  little  Blue 
Yellow-back  whose  history  has  been  previously 
detailed. 

In  habits  and  manners,  a  close  resemblance  to 
Dendrceca  pennsylvanica  is  noticeable;  but  it  is 
less  active.  Its  flight  is  generally  lofty,  and  but 
slightly  sustained. 

.During  its  brief  stay  of  two  weeks,  it  is  devoid 
of  song.  Whilst  moving  from  tree  to  tree  in 
pursuit  of  insects,  it  does  not  produce  a  single 
note.  It  retires  as  it  comes,  singly  and  alone. 

Its  food  consists  of  the  small  beetles  and  other 
insects  which  it  gleans  among  the  branches,  foliage, 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  119 

and  blossoms  of  trees.  The  accompanying  list 
will  convey  a  brief  though  meagre  idea  of  the 
essential  articles  of  diet  during  its  restricted  stay : — 
Chrysomela  formosa,  Cymindis  viridipennis>  Bostri- 
chus  pini,  Harpalus  compar,  Cratonychus  cinereus, 
Platynus  cupripennis,  Donacia  metaliica,  among 
coleoptera;  the  smaller  ants,  Selandria  rosce,  Apis 
mellifica,  and  Lophyrusabietis,  among  hymenoptera; 
aphides,  diptera,  and  larvae  of  many  of  the  Phalce- 
noidce,  which  appear  during  its  stay. 

This  species  was  regarded  by  Wilson  as  ex- 
ceedingly rare,  and  so  far  eluded  the  observation 
of  Audubon  as  to  prevent  him  from  describing 
its  habits.  Mr.  Nuttall  noticed  its  passage  through 
Massachusetts,  about  the  i5th  of  April. 

It  breeds  in  northern  latitudes,  eggs  having  been 
obtained  by  Mr.  George  Bush,  at  Coldwater,  near 
Lake  Superior;  by  Maynard,  it  is  considered  the 
most  abundant  of  the  Sylvicolidce  at  Lake  Umbagog 
where  he  discovered  it  breeding. 

Nidification  commences  according  to  the  last 
named  authority,  in  June;  a  nest  having  been  found 
on  the  3rd,  just  completed  in  a  tree,  alongside  of  a 
cart-path,  in  a  thicket.  This  was  placed  upon  a  hori- 
zontal branch  of  ahemlock,at  an  elevation  of  twenty 
feet  above  the  ground.  Another  was  built  in  a 
similar  locality,  but  fifteen  feet  from  the  soil.  These 
fabrics  were  unnecessarilylarge  and  bore  a  close 
resemblance  to  those  of  Carpodacus  purpureus* 
Exteriorly  they  were  composed  of  slender  twigs 
of  the  hackmatack,  with  an  intermingling  of  long 


126  LlFt-HisTORIES  OF 

pendent  Usnca  mosses.  Interiorly,  they  were 
smoothly  and  elegantly  lined  with  the  seed-stalks  of 
Cladonia  mosses,  dark  fibrous  roots,  and  a  sprink- 
ling of  hairs.  They  measured  six  inches  in  diame- 
ter, and  two  and  a  half  inches  in  height,  with  a 
cavity  three  inches  wide,  and  one  and  a  quarter 
deep. 

The  eggs  are  oblong-oval  in  configuration,  and 
vary  in  length  from  .70  to  .65  of  an  inch,  and  in 
breadth  from  .52  to  .50.  They  are  closely  marked 
with  brown  upon  a  greenish-blue  background,  and 
generally  possess  an  annulus  of  brown  and  lilac 
blotches  around  the  larger  end. 

We  have  never  observed  this  species  in  the 
autumn,  from  which  fact  we  infer  that  it  does  not 
stop  during  its  southern  migration. 

Dcndrceca  pennsylvanica,  Baird. 

The  Chestnut-sided  Warbler  is  an  early  migrant 
which  appears  during  the  first  week  of  May,  when 
the  woods  resound  with  the  melodies  of  the  Red- 
start and  the  Black-throated  Blue.  Like  most  of 
its  near  relatives,  it  is  never  gregarious,  but  feeds 
singly  and  alone.  At  first,  it  forages  almost 
entirely  among  the  slender  branches  and  foliage 
of  lofty  trees,  in  high  and  open  woods;  but  as  the 
season  advances,  our  gardens  and  orchards  are 
the  recipients  of  its  visits,  where  it  delights  to 
revel  amid  apple  and  cherry  blooms.  Like  the 
last  described  species,  it  manifests  considerable 


OF  EASTERN   PENNSYLVANIA,  121 

confidence  in  man,  permitting    near  approaches 
without  the  least  fear. 

It  is  extremely  agile  in  its  movements,  and  like 
its  congeners,  combines  many  of  the  traits  of  the 
Certhiidce  and  Paridce,  in  a  remarkable  degree; 
superadded  to  which,  is  the  possession  of  many  of 
the  attributes  of  the  Muscicapidcz,  being  able  to 
capture  insects  upon  the  wing,  with  nearly  the 
adroitness  of  the  members  of  this  family.  Being 
less  erratic  than  most  of  its  kindred,  it  remains 
for  long  periods  gleaning  among  the  foliage  of  the 
same  tree. 

Not  unlike  the  Bay-breasted  Warbler,  this 
species  certainly  reserves  its  powers  of  song  until 
it  has  attained  its  northern  quarters.  Not  so  much 
as  a  single  note  has  it  been  heard  to  utter.  Its 
departure  usually  occurs  about  the  22nd  of  May, 
making  the  length  of  its  stay  nearly  three  weeks. 

Divers  kinds  of  insects  constitute  its  dietary. 
We  have  detected  remains  of  the  following  in  the 
stomachs  of  several  individuals: — Rhynchcenus 
strobi,  Chrysomela  cceruleipennis,  Cratony  chits,  cine- . 
reus,  Harpahis  compar,  Platynus  cupripennis,  among 
beetles ;  Musca  domestica,  Tabamis  lineola,  Syrplms 
obsciirus,  among  diptera,  besides  Aphis  mali,  For- 
mica sangidnea,  earthworms  and  a  single  species 
of  cut-worm.  The  results  of  these  examinations 
conduct  to  the  conclusion,  that  in  habits  it  is  not 
strictly  arboreal,  but  occasionally  terrestrial. 

This  species  was  formerly  regarded  as  rather 
rare  by  our  older  ornithological  writers.  Wilson 


122  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

could  give  little  description  of  its  habits;  the  most 
of  what  he  says  being  conjectural.  Audubon 
knew  nothing  of  its  habits  or  distribution;  he 
having  met  but  a  single  individual.  Nuttall's  de- 
scription is  in  a  measure  hypothetical  and  inaccu- 
rate. Its  song  he  represents  by  the  syllables  tsh- 
tsh-tsh-tshyia,  given  at  short  intervals,  and  fre- 
quently responded  to  by  the  female  from  her  nest. 
He  perceives  a  resemblance  to  that  of  D.  (estiva, 
being  somewhat  louder  and  less  of  a  whistle. 

According  to  the  authority  of  Mr.  Allen,  it 
breeds  in  western  Massachusetts,  where  it  arrives 
about  the  Qth  of  May,  frequenting  low  woods  and 
marshy  thickets,  and  nesting  in  bushes.  Prof. 
Verrill  has  found  it  breeding  in  western  Maine, 
and  Mr.  Ridgway  in  the  oak-openings  and  prairie- 
thickets,  of 'southern  Illinois.  J.  Elliot  Cabot, 
Esq.,  was  the  first  to  discover  in  June,  1839,  its 
nest  and  eggs,  in  Brookline,  Mass.  The  nest  was 
compactly  built,  elastic  and  shallow,  and  composed 
externally  of  strips  of  red-cedar  bark,  and  lined 
with  coarse  hair.  Mr.  Welsh,  of  Lynn,  Mass., 
has  discovered  a  number  of  nests  situated  within 
barberry-bushes,  which  were  constituted,  exte- 
riorly, of  the  bark  of  the  smaller  vegetables  loosely 
intertwined,  reinforced  by  stems  and  fragments  of 
dry  grasses,  and  lined  with  soft  hairs  of  the 
smaller  animals  and  vegetable  wool.  These  nests 
varied  from  two  and  a  half  to  three  inches  in 
height,  externally,  and  possessed  a  diameter  rang- 
ing from  three  to  four  inches.  They  were  securely 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  123 

fastened  to  small  branches  by  means  of  the  silk  of 
divers  kinds  of  cocoons.  The  situations  chosen 
for  nidification,  are  affirmed  to  differ  not  materially 
from  those  selected  by  the  Golden  Warbler,  being 
in  open  grounds,  and  also  low  marshy  localities. 

The  eggs  are  oblong-oval  in  shape,  creamy- 
white  in  the  background,  and  beautifully  marked 
with  shades  of  purple  and  purplish-brown  princi- 
pally about  the  larger  end.  The  dimensions  are 
.64  by  .48  of  an  inch. 

Dendrceca  maculosa,  Baird. 

The  Magnolia  Warbler  is  very  abundant  in 
eastern  Pennsylvania,  and  one  of  the  most  attrac- 
tive members  of  its  genus.  It  appears  not  earlier 
than  the  roth  of  May,  along  the  borders  of 
cultivated  fields,  and  within  our  gardens  and 
orchards,  where  the  blooms  of  the  apple,  cherry, 
and  maples  are  sources  of  attraction.  In  high 
open  thickets,  which  its  congeneric  relatives  de- 
light to  visit,  it  is  exceedingly  rare.  During  the 
past  season  it  might  have  been  reckoned  by  fifties 
in  cultivated  sections,  whereas  not  a  single  indi- 
vidual was  observed  in  secluded  situations. 

Like  most  of  our  Warblers  already  described 
with  the  single  exception  of  D.  coronata,  it  never 
flocks  during  its  vernal  migration,  but  prefers  to 
lead  a  solitary  existence.  Few  species  manifest 
freer  confidence,  and  less  fear  than  the  one  under 
consideration.  In  this  particular,  it  emulates 


124  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

Panda  Americana.  We  have  frequently  advanced 
within  three  or  four  feet  of  an  individual,  though 
not  unperceived,  without  awakening  distrust  or 
exciting  alarm. 

In  common  with  most  of  its  brethren,  this 
Warbler  beautifully  blends  the  attributes  of  the 
Parida  with  those  of  the  Miiscicapidcz.  Insects 
in  their  various  stages,  compose  its  diet.  These 
it  procures  in  its  perambulations  along  the  trunk 
and  branches,  adherent  to  the  bark  or  concealed 
within  fissures,  or  expertly  captures  \vhile  on  the 
wing.  It  is  equally  dexterous  in  hovering  over 
the  expanded  bud  and  examining  the  opening 
leaves. 

Its  flight  is  low,  gracefully  undulating,  and 
moderately  prolonged. 

During  its  entire  stay  it  is  devoid  of  song.  Its 
only  note  is  a  simple  twea,  produced  quickly  and 
with  a  sharp,  grating  articulation,  in  the  intervals 
of  feeding.  Dr.  Brewer  in  speaking  of  its  song 
says,  it  "  is  clear  and  sweetly  modulated,  and  sur- 
passes that  of  most  of  this  family,"  and  is  "  chiefly 
heard  during  the  early  summer"  in  low  woods, 
whilst  searching  Vireo-like  for  insects. 

The  accompanying  list  will  convey  to  the  mind 
some  idea  of  the  services  which  it  renders  to  man 
in  the  destruction  of  injurious  insects.  In  several 
stomach-examinations  we  have  discovered  evident 
traces  'of  C/irysomela  ccesuleipsnnis,  C.  formosa, 
Cymindis  viridipennis,  Bostrichus  pini,  Harpalus 
pensylvaniciis,  H.  compar,  and  Platynus  cupripcn- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA. 


125 


nis\  besides  a  variety  of  small  spiders  that  reside 
temporarily  within  the  flowers  and  upon  the  foliage 
of  plants ;  aphides,  especially  Aphis  mali,  and  also 
our  commonest  ants.  The  stamens  and  ovaries  of 
blossoms,  with  fragments  of  corollas,  have  been 
found  within  the  stomachs  of  several  individuals. 

This  last  cited  fact  materially  lessens  the  esteem 
in  which  it  is  held,  and  proves  in  this,  as  in  many 
instances,  that  no  species  can  be  considered  as  an 
unmixed  good. 

We  have  never  observed  this  species  in  the 
autumn,  and  are  led  to  believe  that  it  does  not 
stop  from  its  southward-bound  journey. 

During  the  breeding-period  throughout  North 
America,  it  resides  "  east  of  the  Great  Plains 
between  latitude  44°  and  Fort  Simpson  in  the  fur 
country,"  (  Vide  North  American  Birds,  page  233). 
Mr.  Audubon  describes  the  nest  as  being  built  of 
lichens  and  moss,  externally,  and  lined  with  fibrous 
roots  and  feathers,  and  as  being  placed  upon  fir- 
tree  branches,  and  sustained  by  horizontal  twigs. 
Nidification  must  take  place  during  the  latter  part 
of  June,  as  a  nest  was  found  in  Labrador  by  the 
same  gentleman,  in  the  beginning  of  July,  with  five 
rather  elongated  eggs.  These  are  described  as 
being  of  a  white  color,  with  a  sprinkling  of  reddish 
clots  at  the  larger  end,  and  as  being  three-fourths  of 
an  inch  in  length  and  nine-sixteenths  in  breadth. 

A  nest  was  obtained  by  Mr.  Kennicott  near 
Great  Slave  Lake,  June  1 2,  1860,  which  was  loosely 
built  and  placed  within  a  small  spruce,  in  a  dense 


126  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

woods,  at  an  elevation  of  two  feet  above  the  ground. 
It  was  composed  almost  wholly  of  fine  plant-stems, 
slender  grasses,  and  a  modicum  of  mosses,  and 
was  lined  interiorly  with  finer  stems,  and  black 
herbaceous  rootlets.  It  measured  three  and  a  half 
inches  in  diameter,  and  one  and  a  half  in  depth, 
with  a  cavity  one  inch  deep  and  two  and  a  half 
inches  in  diameter. 

The  eggs  are  rounded-oval  in  form,  being  more 
pointed  at  one  end  than  the  other,  a  light  ashen 
hue  or  dull  white  on  the  background,  and  finely 
dotted  and  blotched  with  light-brown ;  these  mark- 
ings being  chiefly  grouped  about  the  larger  end. 

This  bird  has  been  found  breeding  by  R.  Deane, 
Esq,  of  Cambridge,  near  Lake  Umbagog.  The 
nest  was  placed  about  three  feet  from  the  soil  in 
the  fork  of  a  low  spruce,  and  consisted  externally 
of  spruce  twigs,  rootlets  and  dry  grasses,  and  was 
lined  with  fine  black  roots.  The  eggs  were  de- 
scribed as  spherical,  creamy-white,  and  marked 
with  a  few  large  blotches  of  umber  and  lilac. 

The  female  is  said  by  Audubon  to  manifest  great 
distress  which  is  exhibited  by  fluttering  among  the 
branches  with  expanded  tail  and  wings,  when  her 
nest  is  assailed.  According  to  Dr.  Brewer,  they 
also  evince  much  sympathy  when  the  nests  of 
other  species  are  disturbed.  He  instances  a  case 
where  the  outcries  of  a  pair  of  the  Hudson's  Bay 
Titmice,  brought  a  pair  of  these  Warblers  to 
their  aid,  which  displayed  fully  as  much  anxiety 
as  the  real  parents. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  127 

In  August,  Mr.  Audubon  observed  a  number  of 
young  accompanying  their  parents  in  their  south- 
ern migration. 

Dendrocca  tigrina,  Baird. 

The  Cape  May  Warbler,  so  called  because  it 
was  discovered  near  the  extreme  southern  point 
of  New  Jersey,  is  a  rare  species  in  this  latitude. 
The  first  specimen  was  obtained  at  this  point  by 
George  Ord,  in  1811,  and  was  described  and 
figured  by  Wilson  who  never  came  across  a  second 
specimen.  Both  Nuttall  and  Audubon.  were  un- 
acquainted with  it;  the  latter  depended  for  the 
specimens  which  he  delineated,  upon  Edward 
Harris,  Esq.,  who  procured  them  near  Philadelphia. 

In  their  northern  migrations,  these  birds  reach 
the  latitude  of  Philadelphia  from  the  loth  to  the 
1 5th  of  May,  remaining  but  a  few  days,  and  sud- 
denly departing.  They  are  fond  of  retired  situa- 
tions, and  are  remarkably  suspicious  in  disposition. 
In  Delaware  County,  Pennsylvania,  individuals 
have  been  shot  whilst  feeding  within  alder  swamps 
and  along  the  banks  of  streams.  Their  foraging 
is  chiefly  restricted  to  shrubbery;  instances  being 
unknown  where  tall  trees  are  objects  of  visitation. 
Their  movements  are  exceedingly  active  and  re- 
mind us  of  both  the  Flycatchers  and  Titmice. 
Unlike  many  of  its  family  relations,  it  is  a  hermit, 
and  shuns  rather  than  courts  the  society  of  man. 

Its  flight  is  commonly  low,  undulating,  and  well 
sustained.  Its  movements  whilst  feeding  are  both 
arboreal  and  terrestrial, 


128  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

Various  small  beetles,  diptera,  and  spiders,  con- 
stitute its  bill  of  fare.  Cymindis  viridipennis,  Cra- 
tonychus  cinereus,  Donacia  metallica,  Harpalus 
corn-par i  Tabanus  lineloa,  Culex  tceniorkynchus,  and 
aphides,  are  eagerly  devoured. 

Their  temporary  stay,  though  brief,  is  unmarked 
by  the  slightest  trace  of  song;  not  even  a  single 
call-note  is  uttered. 

It  is  very  improbable  that  this  species  nidificates 
in  the  United  States,  although  an  egg  obtained  in 
Coventry,  Vt,  in  1836,  has  been  attributed  to  this 
bird,  from  its  resemblance  to  identified  specimens 
from  Jamaica.  In  this  island  they  frequent  the 
mangrove-swamps  and  river-banks  for  food, 
during  the  early  part  of  their  visit,  but  repair  to 
the  highlands  for  nidificating  purposes. 

In  his  ornithological  notes  of  this  island,  W.  T. 
March,  Esq.,  describes  the  nests  as  possessing 
long  and  deep  cavities,  and  being  wrought  of  .long 
and  thin  strips  of  flexible  bark,  stoutly  and  firmly 
interwoven,  with  an  intermingling  of  lichens, 
mosses,  and  bark  of  deciduous  trees.  Interiorly, 
there  is  a  lining  of  finer  and  more  delicate  strips 
than  are  found  in  the  exterior.  They  measured 
three  and  one-fourth  inches  in  diameter,  and  two 
and  one-half  in  height. 

The  eggs  are  oval  in  configuration,  slightly  acu- 
minate at  one  end,  with  various  shades  and  tints 
of  brown  and  purple  blotchings  upon  a  pinkish- 
white  background,  which  are  chiefly  arranged  in 
the  form  of  an  annuhis  about  the  larger  end. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  129 

They  are   .70   of  an    inch    in    length    by  .55    in 
breadth. 

Dendroeca  discolor,  Baird. 

The  Prairie  Warbler,  a  not  very  abundant 
species  in  eastern  Pennsylvania,  revisits  us  about 
the  latter  part  of  April  or  the  beginning  of  May. 
Although  a  denizen  of  open  plains  and  thinly 
wooded  regions,  it  is  far  from  being  shy  and  sus- 
picious, and  will  permit  near  approaches  without 
manifesting  the  least  timidity. 

In  searching  for  food,  they  may  be  seen  moving 
leisurely  along  the  lowermost  branches  of  trees, 
examining  every  leaf  and  blade  of  grass  for  insect- 
life,  uttering  at  irregular  intervals  a  brief  cJrirr. 
Exceedingly  active  creatures,  they  resemble  the 
Paridce,  and  in  being  expert  Flycatchers,  remind 
us  of  the  Redstart  and  the  Myiodioctes. 

Coleoptera,  diptera,  spiders,  and  caterpillars, 
contribute  mainly  to  its  maintenance.  In  the  pro- 
curement of  food,  its  habits  are  both  arboreal  and 
terrestrial.  Chrysomela  cceruleipennis,  Platynus 
cupripennis,  Donacia  metallica,  Cymindis  viridi- 
pennis,  Casnonia  pennsylvanica,  Haliica  chalybca, 
Cratonychus  pertinax,  Tabanus  lineola,  Culex 
teenier hynchus,  and  larvae  of  Anisopteryx  vernata, 
Clisiocampa  Americana,  and  many  of  the  early 
Nocluids,  with  Formica  sanguined,  Apis  mellifica, 
and  various  aphides,  and  others,  have  been  found 
in  the  many  stomachs  which  we  have  examined. 

Mr.  Nuttall  speaks  of  the  slender,  filing  notes 

i 


130  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

of  this  bird,  which  he  represents  by  the  syllables 
' tsh- tsh- tsh- tshea  sung  crescendo. 

The  Prairie  Warbler  has  been  supposed  by 
Cassin  to  breed  in  New  Jersey,  near  Philadelphia, 
frpm  the  fact  that  young  birds  have  been  met 
with  during  the  breeding-season.  Nuttall  de- 
scribes the  nest  as  non-pensile,  placed  in  a  bifur- 
cating branch,  and  composed  externally  of  strips 
of  red  cedar,  liber,  caterpillars'  silk,  fibres  of 
Asclepias,  with  an  internal  lining  of  the  down  of 
Gnaphalium  plantagineum.  The  eggs  are  de- 
scribed as  being  sharp  at  one  end,  and  marked 
with  spots  of  light-brown  and  lilac-purple  upon 
a  white  background,  which  are  chiefly  annulated 
about  the  larger  end. 

.Several  nests  have  been  found  in  Lynn,  by  Mr. 
Welch.  One  built  on  a  wild  rose,  a  few  feet 
from  the  ground,  was  compactly,  elaborately,  and 
variously  interwoven,  principally  of  soft,  inner 
bark  of  shrubs,  with  an  intermingling  of  decayed 
plant-stems,  woody  fibres,  dry  rose-leaves,  frag- 
ments of  vegetables,  and  spiders'  webs,  &c.;  the 
whole  being  bound  together  and  strengthened  by 
cotton-like  vegetable  fibres.  The  upper  rim  was 
composed  of  vegetable  roots  and  bark,  strongly 
interlacing  each  other.  Internally,  their  was  a 
layer  of  vegetable  fibres,  with  a  few  horse-hairs. 
In  some  nests,  decayed  leaves ;  in  others,  weather- 
beaten  cocoons;  and,  in  others,  the  pappus  of 
plants  are  more  noticeable  materials  than  strips 
of  bark. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  1^1 

This  species  was  found  by  Dr.  Gerhardt  to  ni- 
dificate in  northern  Georgia,  where  its  nests  in 
position,  structure  and  size,  were  similar  but 
differed  in  the  materials  of  composition;  being 
composed,  externally,  almost  invariably  of  strips  of 
inner  bark,  and  flax-like  fibres  of  vegetable  origin, 
with  a  lining  of  fine  plant-stems,  and  in  one  case 
of  the  feathers  of  Bubo  Virgianus.  In  Georgia 
almost  every  kind  of  bush  or  tree,  is  selected  in 
which  to  build;  whereas,  in  Massachusetts,  open 
and  thinly-wooded  pasture  lands,  often  not  very 
remote  from  villages,  are  invariably  chosen.  In 
southern  Illinois,  in  the  oak  barrens  where  it 
breeds,  it  is  exceedingly  rare,  according  to  the 
authority  of  Mr.  Ridgway.  We  have  never  known 
it  to  breed  in  Philadelphia,  and  are  disposed  to 
view  it  as  only  a  temporary  visitor. 

The  female  is  very  confiding  and  approaches 
the  nest  without  the  exercise  of  any  precautions; 
and  seeks  not  like  many  species  on  the  intrusion 
of  human  beings,  to  entice  them  away  from  the 
site  of  her  nest. 

The  eggs  vary  from  three  to  five  and  even  to  six 
in  number;  they  are  oval  in  form,  and  marked 
with  spots  of  lilac,  purple  and  umber-brown,  upon 
a  white  ground.  They  measure  .68  by  .48  of  an 
inch. 

Since  writing  the  above,  a  nest  of  the  Prairie 
Warbler  has  been  obtained  by  H.  D.  Minot,  Esq., 
in  Northern  New  Hampshire,  at  the  latitude  of  Mt. 
Washington  (44^°),  containing  four  eggs,  It  is 


132  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

said  to  be  a  summer  resident  there,  though  Lynn, 
Mass.,  in  latitude  42)^  °,  has,  hitherto,  been  generally 
accepted  as  its  northern  limit  of  breeding. 

Dendrceca  palmarum,  Baird. 

In  its  habits  the  Red  Poll  Warbler  is  nearly  ter- 
restrial. In  this  particular,  it  differs  very  materially 
from  its  more  intimate  relatives.  It  frequents  the 
borders  of  thickets  and  bushes  along  water-courses. 
Along  the  banks  of  the  latter  where  projecting 
rootlets  are  visible,  it  gleans  its  daily  diet.  Oc- 
casionally, it  visits  the  lower  branches  of  trees, 
where  it  may  be  seen  imitating  the  activity  and 
gracefulness  of  the  Paridce  and  Certhiidce.  Some- 
times its  movements  are  those  of  the  Muscicapidcz, 
but  these  are  exceptional. 

This  bird  is  extremely  shy,  leads  a  secluded 
life  whilst  feeding,  and  can  be  approached  but 
with  the  greatest  difficulty.  Its  flight  is  ordinarily 
low,  firm,  but  slightly  undulating,  and  poorly  sus- 
tained. 

Its  song  is  a  low,  simple  chirp,  produced  very 
infrequently,  and  resembling  somewhat  intimately 
that  of  a  grasshopper. 

From  its  early  appearance  in  May,  till  its  de- 
parture about  the  I2th  of  the  same  month,  it  is  a 
silent,  solitary  creature,  wholly  engrossed  from 
morn  to  night,  in  the  all-absorbing  thought  of 
self-preservation.  Unlike  many  of  its  kin,  it  never 
deserts  sylvan  retreats  for  human  habitations,  even 
when  pressed  by  hunger.  During  its  brief  stay, 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  133 

which  varies  from  a  week  to  ten  days,  its  food 
consists  principally  of  insects.  Within  the  stom- 
achs of  several  individuals  which  we  have  ex- 
amined, have  been  noticed  the  following: — For- 
mica sanguinea,  and  F.  subterranea,  in  great 
abundance;  Scarites  subterraneus,  Harpalus  pensyl- 
vanicuSi  H.  conipar,  Casnonia  pennsylvanica,  larvae 
of  Or  atony  chus  cinereus,  Platynus  cupripennis, 
Chlcznius  sericeus,  Cratonychus  pertinax,  Musca 
domestica,  Tabanus  lineola,  Cidex  tceniorhynchus, 
and  others,  which  we  were  unable  to  identify. 
The  berries  of  yuniperus  Virginiana  are  occa- 
sionally eaten.  With  the  above  a  few  seeds 
of  graminaceous  plants,  fragments  of  leaves  of 
grasses,  and  buds  of  Acer  rubrum  were  detected. 

We  are  inclined  to  believe  that  it  does  not  stop 
during  its  southern  migration,  since  its  non- 
appearance  in  habitual  habits,  is  a  notable  fact. 

Ordinarily,  a  rare  visitor  in  our  latitude,  it  is 
very  abundant  at  certain  times,  but  is  always 
observed  as  isolated  individuals.  A  combina- 
tion of  circumstances  apparently  determines  the 
period  of  its  maximum  and  minimum  numbers. 
During  the  breeding-season,  and  also  during  mi- 
gration, birds  are  at  times  very  differently  circum- 
stanced. Sometimes,  surer  success  attend  their 
procreative  and  parental  endeavors,  and  larger 
numbers  of  young  are  reared.  Again,  particular 
species  escape  more  successfully  the  assaults  of 
predatory  birds,  and  the  warfare  of  man,  and  are 
thus  enabled  to  bring  greater  numbers  to  accus- 


134 


LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 


tomed  haunts  during  succeeding"  seasons.  Per- 
haps, the  same  localities  are  not  always  annually 
visited  by  particular  non-breeding  species,  which 
would  also  tend  to  numerical  variations. 

The  Red  Poll  generally  selects  a  swampy  thicket 
which  is  more  or  less  open,  for  the  purposes  of 
nidification.  The  nest  is  invariably  placed  upon 
the  ground.  The  walls  are  firmly,  closely,  and 
tastefully  built  of  an  interweaving  of  fine  grasses, 
small  plant-stems,  slender  strips  of  bark,  Hypmim- 
and  other  mosses,  exteriorly,  with  a  warm  and 
soft  lining  of  feathers  and  down.  It  is  usually  not 
large,  having  a  diameter  of  three  and  a  half  inches, 
a  depth  of  two  and  a  half  inches,  with  the  diameter 
and  depth  of  the  cavity  but  half  an  inch  less.  The 
above  is  substantially  the  description  given  by 
Dr.  Brewer. 

A  nest  of  this  bird  found  by  Mr.  Kennicott, 
June  1 8,  at  Fort  Resolution,  was  built  on  the 
ground  on  a  hummock,  near  the  base  of  a  small 
spruce,  in  swampy  ground,  and  contained  five 
young  birds. 

It,  doubtless,  breeds  in  the  vicinity  of  Halifax, 
its  being  a  summer  resident  there  from  May  to 
September.  It  may  possibly  breed  in  the  United 
States,  although  we  can  discover  no  evidence  to 
justify  the  assertion. 

The  eggs  are  rounded-oval  in  shape,  and 
blotched  chiefly  about  the  larger  end  with  purple, 
lilac,  and  reddish-brown  spots,  blending  together 
upon  a  yellowish  background.  They  measure  .70 
of  an  inch  in  length  by  .56  in  breadth. 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  135 

Dendroeca  pirms,  Baird. 

The  Pine-creeping  Warbler  has  not  been  found 
in  our  latitude  during-  its  vernal  migration,  to  any 
considerable  extent.  It  is  mostly  a  denizen  of 
pine  forests  and  may  be  seen  running  up  and  down 
the  trunks  of  trees  and  along  their  branches,  ever 
on  the  alert  for  the  larvae  and  ova  of  insects, 
which  it  most  dexterously  extracts  from  their  hiding 
places.  In  southern  New  Jersey  it  proves  to  be 
more  abundant,  frequenting  low  marshy  grounds, 
overgrown  with  shrubbery  and  the  scrub  pine.  It 
reaches  the  latitude  of  Philadelphia  during  rthe 
latter  part  of  April,  and  its  visit  is  usually  pro- 
longed until  about  the  i5th  of  May,  when  it  is 
notably  scarce.  During  the  breeding-period  it  is 
unobserved,  whence  we  infer  that  it  does  not  re- 
main to  perform  that  essential  business.  During 
certain  milcl  and  open  winters,  we  are  informed  by- 
reliable  authority,  that  it  is  common  in  pine  forests 
in  the  vicinity  of  Bridgeton,  N.  J.  An  instance  is 
recorded  where  a  stray  individual  was  met  in 
Philadelphia  in  mid-winter. 

This  species  is  both  terrestrial  and  arboreal.  It 
is  an  active,  restless  being,  generally  searching  for 
insects  among  the  blossoms  and  needles  of  the 
pine,  or  in  the  crevices  of  the  bark,  or  seizing  them 
upon  the  wing;  occasionally,  it  descends  to  the 
ground  for  this  purpose.  Its  movements  recall 
those  of  the  Certhiidce.  Though  chiefly  restricted 
to  pine  forests,  we  have  never  known  it  to  desert 
such  places  for  open  fields  and  orchards. 


136  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

Its  flight  is  short  and  gracefully  undulating. 
The  song  of  this  Warbler  is  lacking  in  compass 
and  variety,  although,  far  from  disagreable.  Mr. 
Nuttall  characterizes  it  at  times  as  aproximating 
the  simpler  trills  of  the  canary,  but,  ordinarily,  a 
reverberating,  gently-increasing  or  murmuring 
sound  resembling  er-r-rrrrr-ah.  In  the  spring- 
time it  sounds  like  twc-twe-tw-tw-tzv-tiv-tw  and 
sometimes  like  tsh-tsJi-tsh-hu-tw-tw-tw  uttered  with 
an  agreeable  cadence.  The  note  of  the  female  is 
said  to  resemble  that  of  Mniotilta  varia. 

Its  food  consists  of  insects  in  their  various  de- 
velopmental stages.     Early  in  the  spring  many 
coleoptera  are  eagerly  devoured.    We  have  identi- 
fied  in  our  examinations  remains   of  Bostrichus 
pini,   Cratonychus  cinereus,  C.  pcrtinax,  Cymindis 
viridipennis,  Platynus  cupripcnnis,  besides  the  hy- 
menopterous  forms  of  Formica  sanguinca,  F.  sub- 
terranea,  and  others.      Later,  the  larvae  and  ova 
of  Anisoptcryx  vernata,    Clisiocampa  Americana, 
Citheronia  regalis,  E,acles  iniperialis,  besides  many 
mature  forms  of  our  early  Noctuid<z  and  Tineidte, 
and  earthworms.  „  In  the  autumn  the  berries  of 
Juniperus  Virginiana,  Cornus  canadensis,  and  the 
seeds  of  various  species  of  Pinus. 

Its  most  northern  breeding-quarters  are  proba- 
bly in  Massachusetts,  where  it  has  been  found  to 
be  very  abundant,  particularly  in  the  western  part, 
by  Mr.  Allen;  and  in  the  east  as  high  up  as  Lynn, 
by  George  O.  Welch,  Esq.  There  is  good  reason 
to  suppose  that  it  breeds  in  New  Jersey,  since  the 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  137 

surroundings  are  favorable,  and  birds  already 
paired  have  been  noticed  under  the  most  sus- 
picious circumstances. 

Nidification  occurs  most  probably  about  the 
1 5th  of  May,  as  Mr.  Nuttall  describes  a  nest 
which  he  observed  with  a  full  complement  of  eggs, 
highly  advanced  towards  hatching,  on  the  yth  of 
June,  which  was  built  about  forty  feet  from  the 
ground,  wedged  in  between  two  nearly  vertical 
branches  of  a  Virginia  juniper  tree,  in  Mt.  Auburn. 
This  fabric  was  composed  principally  of  the  wiry 
stems  of  Polygonum  tenue,  circularly  interlaced  with 
caterpillars'  webs,  and  linty  fibres  of  Asclepias. 
Interiorly,  there  were  noticed  fine  rootlets,  a  few 
bristles,  down  of  fern-stalks,  and  feathers.  Several 
nests  were  discovered  by  Mr.  Nuttall  of  similar 
manufacture. 

Several  nests  of  this  Warbler  found  by  George 
O.  Welch,  Esq.,  in  Lynn,  Mass.,  differed  from  the 
one  just  described,  only  in  the  composing 
materials.  These  were  built  of  red  cedar  bark, 
the  liber  of  several  deciduous  trees,  dry  grasses, 
and  plant-stems,  and  the  exuviae  of  insects;  in- 
ternally, with  feathers,  silk  of  plants,  and  fur  of 
small  mammals,  lining  comparatively  large  and 
deep  cavities.  There  were  also  some  wiry  roots 
noticeable.  They  measured  two  and  a  half  inches 
in  height,  and  three  in  diameter. 

In  Massachusetts  but  a  single  brood  is  reared 
in  a  season,  whereas  at  the  south  it  is  accredited 
with  being  triple-brooded. 


138 


LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 


The  eggs  are  affirmed  by  Dr.  Brewer  to  re- 
semble in  size  and  appearance  those  of  D.  castanea, 
but  differ  in  the  spots  being  more  numerous,  and 
the  blotches  being  "larger  and  more  generally 
distributed."  They  are  rounded-oval  in  configu- 
ration, with  a  bluish-white  ground-color,  which 
possesses  subdued  tintings  of  a  delicate  purple- 
shade  diffused  thereon;  and  the  latter  rendered 
other  than  monotonous,  by  dark  purplish-brown 
dots  and  blotches,  with  a  few  pencillings  of  black 
distributed  over  its  surface.  The  average  length 
is  .71  of  an  inch,  and  breadth  55. 

Seiurus  aurocapillus,  Swains. 

The  Golden-crowned  Thrush  or  Oven  Bird  as 
this  species  is  popularly  known,  appears  in 
unusually  large  numbers,  between  the  ist  and 
1 2th  of  May,  and  restricts  itself  chiefly  to  low, 
damp  woods,  being  seldom,  if  ever  discerned  close 
to  human  habitations.  It  is  pre-eminently  partial 
to  retirement,  from  which  we  infer  a  shy  and 
timid  nature,  which  experience  faithfully  justifies. 

We  have  occasionally  seen  it  upon  wooded 
hillsides  as  affirmed  by  Dr,  Brewer;  but  generally 
low,  humid  woods  with  dense  underbrush,  in  close 
proximity  to  water-courses,  as  described  by  Au- 
dubon,  accord  more  acurately  with  our  experi- 
ence. 

It  is  chiefly  terrestrial;  if  arboreal,  it  is  during 
the  early  part  of  the  season,  anterior  to  mating, 
It  then  seeks  the  tallest  trees,  the  lowest  bushes, 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  139 

and  even  alights  upon  the  ground,  and  from  its 
position  makes  the  thickets  resonant  with  song. 

Its  song  may  be  heard  at  irregular  intervals, 
from  early  morn  until  twilight  has  melted  into 
dusky  night.  It  is  so  peculiarly  its  own,  as  never 
to  be  forgotten  when  once  heard.  The  following 
syllables  tswe—tswe—tszve—tswe—tswe  pronounced 
quickly,  so  that  the  final  sound  of  each  preceding 
word  glides  into  the  initial  sound  of  each  succeed- 
ing one,  the  last  syllable  ending  somewhat  abruptly, 
express  its  language  quite  accurately.  It  is  sharply, 
loudly,  and  distinctly  enunciated,  and  increases 
in  intonation  from  the  beginning  to  the  end. 

Being  uncommonly  terrestrial  it  its  habits,  than 
otherwise,  its  diet  consists  mainly  of  the  seeds 
and  insects  which  it  discovers  underneath  decom- 
posing leaves,  and  aquatic  insects  which  it  procures 
along  the  margins  of  streams.  Its  earliest  diet 
consists  of  (Edipoda  sulphurca,  CE.  nebulosa, 
Caloptenns  femur-rubrumy  Acheta  nigra,  among 
orthoptera ;  Harpalus  pensylvanicus,  H.  eompar, 
Pangus  caliginosus,  Cratonyc/ms  tinerens,  Cicindela 
"julgaris,  Lac hno sterna  hirticula,  Platynus  cupn- 
pennisy  Rhynchcenus  pini,  among  beetles,  Formi-ca 
sanguinea  and  F.  subterranea^mong  hymenoptera; 
besides  spiders  and  earthworms.  Later,  when 
lepidoptera  are  abundant  in  their  larval  and 
mature  stages,  an  important  addition  is  made  to 
its  bill  of  fare.  Anisopteryx  vcrnata,  EM  fit c  hi  a 
ribearia,  and  other  geometers ;  Clisiocampa  Ameri- 
cana, immature  specimens  of  Promethca,  Eacles 


I4O  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

imperialis  and  Harrisina  Americana  in  their  larval 
condition,  and  mature  forms  of  Spilosoma  Virginica, 
Utetheisa  bella,  Eudryas  grata,  and  many  of  the 
Noctuidce,  Tortricidce  and  Tineidce. 

Few  species  among1  the  Warblers  possess  a 
more  graceful  movement  upon  the  ground,  than 
the  one  under  notice.  It  may  be  truly  said  to 
walk,  one  foot  being  slightly  raised  while  the  other 
is  being  placed  upon  the  ground,  and  vica  versa. 
It  may  be  readily  indentified  in  the  distance  by  the 
peculiar  nodding  movement  of  the  head. 

Its  flight  is  low,  tolerably  firm,  and  well  sustained. 

Nidification  commences  usually  about  the  last 
week  of  May,  but  at  the  time  of  writing  (June  3),- 
this  essential  operation  has  hardly  begun.  This 
delay  is  probably  due  to  the  backwardness  of  the 
season.  Both  birds  work  diligently  until  the  com- 
pletion of  a  nest  which  is  the  labor  of  four  days. 
A  concavity  in  the  ground  is  selected  for  the  site, 
which  usually  inclines  at  an  angle  of  45  degrees. 
The  typical  structure  is.  said  to  be  oven-shaped 
with  an  aperture  sufficienly  large  to  admit  the 
ready  ingress  and  egress  of  the  female.  We  have 
never  observed  a  single  nest  which  would  agree 
with  the  above  partial  description.  All  that  we 
have  examined  were  modeled,  somewhat  after  the 
fashion  of  that  of  Geothlypis  trichas,  being  located 
at  the  base  of  a  clump  of  bushes,  and  carefully 
concealed  by  enveloping  leaves.  Externally,  the 
nest  is  composed  of  dry  leaves,  stems  of  grasses, 
mosses,  and  fragments  of  vegetables ;  and  is  lined 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  141  - 

externally  with  fine  stems  and  leaves  of  grasses. 

After  the  lapse  of  a  day  or  two  subsequent  to 
the  completion  of  the  nest,  oviposition  commences, 
and  proceeds  at  the  rate  of  one  egg  per  diem. 
Incubation  then  ensues,  and  continues  for  1 1  days. 
The  male  bird  takes  no  direct  part  in  this  business, 
save  to  supply  food  occasionally  to  his  partner. 
He  is,  however,  close  by,  ready  to  announce  the 
presence  of  danger,  in  time  to  secure  a  safe 
retreat.  For  his  mate,  the  most  ardent  affection 
and  strongest  solicitude  are  manifested,  which  do 
not  show  themselves  after  the  fashion  of  Mimus 
Carolinensis  by  odd  gesticulations  and  noisy 
vociferations. 

The  young  are  objects  of  especial  attention  by 
both  parent-birds  for  three  weeks.  Their  food 
consists  of  ants,  aphides,  earthworms,  many  of  the 
Phalcznoidce,  particularly  the  larvae  of  Anisopleryx 
vernata,  the  common  Geometra  catenaria  of  Harris, 
Clisiocampa  Americana,  and  mature  forms  of  the 
Noctuidcz,  Tortricidcz,  and  Tineidce. 

There  is  but  a  single  brood  in  a  season.  When 
the  breeding  season  is  past,  the  species  still  lingers 
within  its  natural  haunts,  until  prepared  to  depart 
to  its  southern  home.  Its  absence  is  conspicuous 
about  the  first  of  October.  Up  to  its  retirement, 
its  song  is  kept  up  with  the  same  perseverance 
and  vim,  as  characterized  it  early  in  the  season. 

The  nest  of  this  bird  seems  to  be  a  favorite 
place  for  the  Cow  Blackbird  to  deposite  its  egg, 
We  have  frequently  observed  nests  that  contained 
as  many  as  two  parisitic  eggs. 


142  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   BIRDS 

The  eggs  of  the  Golden-crowned  Thrush  are 
oval  in  shape,  with  one  end  the  larger.  Their 
ground-color  is  a  beautiful  creamy-white  which  is 
marked  with  dots  and  blotches  of  reddish-brown, 
lilac,  dark  purple,  and  ferruginous,  variously  inter- 
mingled. In  a  few  instances,  there  is  noticable 
around  the  larger  end,  a  beautiful  crown  of  the 
above  colors,  contrasting  very  markedly  with  the 
nearly  spotless  surface  of  the  residue. 

Sciurus  novebomcensis,  Nutt. 

The  Water  Thrush  or  Wagtail  as  we  commonly 
term  this  species  from  its  peculiar  habits  of  alter- 
nately elevating  and  depressing  its  tail,  cannot  be 
considered  either  abundant  or  rare.  It  makes  its 
appearance  in  the  beginning  of  May,  about  the 
time  of  the  arrival  of  the  subject  of  the  preceding 
sketch. 

Like  its  near  cousin,  it  is  partial  to  woodlands 
with,  a  dense  growth  of  underbrush,  or  in  which 
running  water  is  a  noticeable  feature.  It  rarely 
visits  cultivated  grounds.  It  is  par  excellence  a 
hermit.  Within  its  accustomed  haunts,  it  manifests 
little  dread  of  man.  The  fondness  which  it  affects 
for  sequestered  retreats,  is,  doubtless,  due  to  the 
ready  supply  of  particular  food-stuffs  which  it  there 
finds.  No  feature  of  woodland  scenery  is  more 
attractive  to  the  Wagtail  than  running  water.  Its 
appreciation  is  shown  by  its  common  tendency  to 
breed  inclose  contiguity.  The  small  aquatic  in- 
sects, in  clivers  stages,  which  are  denizens  of  such 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  143 

places,  constitute  a  permanent  part  of  its  diet.  To 
secure  which,  the  birds  will  often  wade  in  the  water 
up  to  the  tibia\ 

Building  operations  usually  commence  during 
the  latter  part  of  May,  but  not  later  than  the  first 
of  June.  Both  birds  labor  in  the  construction  of 
the  nest  almost  continually  for  three  days. 
A  cavity  in  a  decayed  log  is  occasionally  selected 
for  the  site,  but,  ordinarily,  the  nest  is  placed  upon 
the  ground  within  a  dense  growth  of  underbrush. 
The  leaves  which  are  abundant  in  such  places, 
materially  aid  concealment.  It  is  composed  of 
mosses,  leaves,  stems  of  grasses,  and  rootlets,  ex- 
ternally, and  has  the  inner  structure  mainly  lined 
with  various  mosses.  It  is  a  beautiful  fabric,  but 
characterized  by  a  notable  flatness  and  shallow- 
ness. 

A  wonderful  degree  of  affection  and  solicitude  is 
manifested  by  the  male-bird  for  his  partner.  During 
incubation  when  approaching  footsteps  lead  him  to 
suspect  clanger,  he  endeavors  by  feint  or  stratagem, 
to  decoy  the  intruder  from  the  place  of  the  nest. 
In  this  he  is  singularly  successful. 

Incubation  speecily  follows  nest-completion,  and 
lasts  for  10  days.  While  the  female  is  thus  occupied, 
for  the  task  devolves  exclusively  upon  her,  the 
male-bird  remains  in  the  immediate  vicinage  ready 
to  obey  the  slightest  call,  or  to  guard  against  en- 
croachment or  assault. 

The  young  are  objects  of  the  most  devoted 
parental  care.  The  mutual  labors  of  the  parents 


144 


LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 


in  their  behalf  are  unremitting  during  the  period 
of  helplessness;  at  the  expiration  of  three  weeks 
they  are  thrown  upon  their  own  resources.  The 
species  is  single-brooded. 

The  following  beetles  constitute  a  portion  *of  its 
bill  of  fare: — Platyrms  capripenuis,  Harpalus  pen- 
sylvanicus,  and  Cratonychus  pertinax.  Later  in  the 
season  the  neuropterous  larvae  of  Agrioii  and 
Pkryganea,  the  dipteria  Culex  taeniorkyuchus,  and 
the  larvae  and  images  of  Noctuids  and  Tineids 
which  abound  at  the  time. 

Its  song  is  loud  clear  and  ringing,  beginning 
with  a  sudden  gush  of  melody  and  gradually  de- 
creasing until  scarcely  audible.  Like  most  of  the 
Warblers  while  singing  it  does  not  like  intrusion. 
During  its  winter  residence  in  Jamaica  it  is  devoid 
of  song  and  merely  utters  a  monotonous  chip. 

The  eggs  of  this  species  are  oblong-oval  in  figure^ 
pointed  atone  extremity  and  rounded  at  the  other. 
They  are  marked  with  dots,  lines,  and  dashes  of 
umber-brown,  varying  in  tints  upon  a  clear  white 
ground,  which  are  more  numerous  about  the  larger 
end.  In  some,  these  markings  are  larger  and 
bolder;  while  in  others  they  are  reduced  to  mere 
points,  and  are  pretty  evenly  diffused  over  the  en- 
tire surface,  or  are  confluent  about  the  larger  end 
forming  a  ring,  while  the  rest  of  the  egg  is  un- 
marked. They  average  .84  of  an  inch  in  length  and 
.67.  in  breadth. 

In  some  sections  of  the  country,  particularly  in 
sheltered  localities,  such  as  dense  woods  afford, 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  145 

small  numbers  of  this  species  are  resident  through- 
out the  entire  year.  Such  is  not  the  case  in  our 
latitude,  as  far  as  our  observations  have  extended. 

Seiurus  ludovicianus,  Bonap. 

The  Louisiana  Water  Thrush  is  an  uncommonly 
rare  species  in  eastern  Pennsylvania.  Like  its 
nearest  congener  which  we  have  just  spoken  of, 
it  inhabits  the  margins  of  creeks,  swampy  grounds, 
and  low  damp  woods.  It  is  pre-eminently  the 
quickest,  as  well  as  the  most  restless  of  the  Sylvi- 
colidt?  though  mainly  terrestrial  in  its  habits.  When 
observed  upon  the  wet  ground,  the  posterior  part 
of  its  body  is  somewhat  elevated,  and  is  being  con- 
stantly tilted  up  and  down.  It  makes  its  appear- 
ance about  the  middle  of  May,  and  during  its  stay, 
it  is  exceedingly  shy  and  suspicious.  When  started 
it  flies  up  suddenly  with  a  sharp  and  startling  chat- 
ter. 

Its,  flight  is  easy,  continued,  and  low;  whereas 
upon  the  ground  it  has  a  graceful  walk. 

The  song  of  this  species  is  rich,  loud,  vivacious. 
It  begins  very  high  and  falls  with  a  gentle  grada- 
tion, until  the  last  notes  are  scarcely  articulated. 
When  singing  it  perches  upon  the  lower  branches 
of  a  tree  overhanging  the  water,  which  it  occa- 
sionally deserts  for  the  topmost  boughs.  Audubon 
speaks  of  its  notes  as  rivalling  those  of  the  night- 
ingale in  mellowness,  variety,  and  power.  The 
call-note  is  a  simple  sparrow-like  chirp. 

Insects  and  their  larvae  are  mainly  its  diet. 

J 


146  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

These  are  mostly  of  terrestrial  character,  although 
it  has  been  observed  to  capture  them  upon  the 
wing.  Among  beetles,  Ckrysomela  cceruleipennis, 
Cymindis  viridipennis,  Bostrichus  pini,  Haltica  ch ci- 
ty bea,  Buprestis  htridus,  Cr atony chus  cinereus,  Pta- 
tynus  cupripennis,  Pangus  caliginosus,  are  eaten, 
besides  various  dipterous  forms,  Tabanus  lineola, 
Culex  tczniorhynchus,  and  Asilus  sericeus,  ants 
spiders,  earthworms,  aphides,  and  larvae  and  images 
of  Harrisina  Americana,  Lithosia  miniata,  Ani- 
sopteryx  vernata,  and  other  geometers,  Utctheisa 
betta  and  many  Noctuids  which  are  found  in  sylvan 
retreats. 

The  nest  of  this  bird  is  generally  placed  at  the 
base  and  among  the  roots  of  a  tree,  and  frequently 
alongside  of  a  decayed  log.  Nidification  commen- 
ces about  the  middle  of  May.  Externally  the 
nest  is  formed  of  dry  leaves,  grasses,  and  mos- 
ses, and  lined  internally  with  fine  grasses,  and  oc- 
casionally a  few  hairs.  The  period  of  incubation 
is  between  13  and  14  days;  the  duty  is  performed 
wholly  by  the  female.  In  from  ten  to  twelve  days 
the  young  are  prepared  to  leave  the  nest,  but  still 
continue  with  their  parents.  When  disturbed 
while  with  young,  the  female  utters  the  most 
piteous  and  agonizing  cries,  all  the  while  fluttering 
about  the  ground  with  expanded  wings  and  tail; 
while  incubation  is  progressing,  in  case  of  distur- 
bance, she  quietly  slips  out  of  the  nest,  flies  a 
short  distance  where  she  remains  a  passive  spec- 
tator of  the  proceedings  enacted. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  147 

The  eggs  are  four  in  number,  flesh-colored  and 
marked  with  a  sprinkling  of  dark-red  at  the  larger 
end. 

Oporomis  agilis,  Baird. 

The  history  of  this  extremely  rare  and  beautiful 
species,  the  Connecticut  Warbler,  is  involved  in 
considerable  obscurity.  Nowhere  very  abundant, 
solitary  individuals  have  been  observed  by  us  in 
Delaware  Co.,  Pa.,  just  beyond  the  limits  of  Phila- 
delphia. Its  appearance  occurs  between  the  ist 
and  loth  of  May;  and  by  the  loth  or  2Oth  of  the 
month,  it  resumes  its  journey  for  more  northern 
climes/  All  that  we  have  noticed  at  this  time 
were  males,  which  fact  conducts  to  the  inference 
either  that'  females*  retire  from  their  southern 
homes  subsequently  to  the  former  or  at  the  same 
time,  and  either  go  directly  to  their  breeding- 
quarters,  or  being  more  retired,  seek  the  coverts 
of  dense  thickets. 

The  males  do  not  appear  shy,  judging  from  their 
behavior.  They  delight  to  visit  the  trees  along 
streams  of  water,  and  show  a  decided  predilection 
for  the  common  Salix  lucicia,  doubtless,  on  account 
of  the  ready  supply  of  insects  which  it  finds  among 
its  leaves  and  branches. 

Its  movements  are  extremely  agile,  which  its 
specific  name  would  seem  to  imply.  It  has  all  the 
address  of  the  Paridce,  and  in  the  skill  with  which 
it  captures  an  insect  upon  the  wing,  it  almost 
rivals  the  Muscicapidce.  It  is  unquestionably  true 


148 


LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 


that  it  is  sometimes  terrestrial  in  its  habits  of 
feeding.  Insects  of  exclusively  terrestrial  habits, 
and  seeds  of  graminaceous  plants  have  been  found 
in  its  stomach.  Apart  from  such  evidence,  we 
have  the  testimony  of  able  writers.  According  to 
our  experience  its  habits  are  mainly  arboreal; 
being  only  occasionally  terrestrial. 

When  disturbed  by  the  too  near  approach  of 
human  beings,  it  quietly  shifts  its  quarters  by 
short  flights  as  long  as  the  annoyance  continues. 

Its  only  note  which  it  utters  whilst  gleaning 
alone  for  food,  is  a  simple  tweet,  resembling  very 
closely  the  ordinary  call-note  of  Dendrosca  coronata. 
This  is  pronounced  at  irregular  intervals  and  is  so 
intimately  related  to  that  of  the  just  mentioned 
species,  that  even  the  most  critical  ear  is  apt  to  be 
imposed  upon. 

The  following  insects  are  prayed  upon  in  vast 
numbers: — Platynus  cupripennis,Harpalus  compar, 
Or  atony  chus  cinereus,  Bos  trie  Jms  pini,  among 
coleoptera ;  Oulex  tosniorhynchusy  Tabanus  lineola, 
among  the  two-winged  flies;  besides  the  small 
pulmonary  and  tracheary  Arachnidce  which  infest 
the  leaves,  and  discover  suitable  lurking-  places 
within  the  creviced  bark  of  trees. 

During  the  autumnal  migration,  its  presence 
has  often  been  observed  by  some  of  our  ornitho- 
logical friends,  although  not  by  us. 

Of  its  habits  of  nidification  and  incubation, 
description  of  its  eggs,  and  the  extent  of  its  dis- 
tribution, our  knowledge  at  present  is  very  limited. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  149 

It  was  supposed  by  Mr.  Turnbull  to  be  a  summer 
resident  in  Pennsylvania,  which  is  probably  not 
the  fact. 

Oporornis  formosus,  Baird. 

The  Kentucky  Warbler,  though  an  abundant 
species  in  the  Southern  and  Southwestern  States, 
is  very  rare  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania.  It  is  never 
gregarious,  but  is  always  observed  alone.  It 
makes  its  appearance  during  the  latter  part  of 
April,  or  the  beginning  of  May,  and  is  always  to 
be  found  in  ravines,  or  on  the  outskirts  of  low 
woods  bordering  upon  the  banks  of  streams  of 
water.  Its  habits  are  eminently  terrestrial;  but 
it  is  occasionally  found  upon  low  bushes,  but  has 
never  been  known  to  visit  the  tall  tree-tops.  It 
is  naturally  quiet  and  reserved.  Whilst  feeding 
it  reminds  us  very  forcibly  of  the  Seiuri,  especially 
noveboracensis  and  hidoviciamis,  having  the  tilting 
movement  of  the  body,  and  horizontal  perching 
attitude  so  characteristic  of  these  birds. 

During  its  brief  stay  of  a  week,  it  does  not  utter 
a  single  note  to  remind  us  of  its  presence.  Its 
sole  business  seems  to  be  the  procurement  of  food. 
It  is  not  until  it  has  reached  its  breeding-quarters, 
and  is  in  pursuit  of  a  partner,  that  it  essays  the 
power  of  song.  Its  usual  note,  according  to  Mr. 
Ridgway,  "is  a  sharp  tship  almost  precisely  like  that 
of  the  Pewee  (Say ornis  fits cus],  uttered  as  the  bird 
perches  on  a  twig  near  the  ground,  continually  til- 
ting its  body,  or  is  changed  into  a  sharp  rapid 


I5O  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF    BIRDS 

twitter  as  one  chases  another  through  the  thicket." 
Its  song  is  said  to  resemble  in  style  that  of  Car- 
dinalis  Virginiamis  though  finer  in  tone,  and 
feebler.  The  song  is  said  to  resemble  tweedle- 
tweedle-tiveedle,  by  Wilson. 

Like  its  near  relative  just  described,  this  Warbler 
is  exceedingly  restless,  hopping  from  twig  to  twig 
in  continual  pursuit  of  insects,  larvce,  and  berries 
for  food.  It  seldom  pursues  an  insect  on  the 
wing.  Its  flight  is  low,  slightly  sustained,  and  exe- 
cuted with  a  gliding  movement. 

The  insects,  mostly  beetles,  which  contribute 
to  its  nourishment,  are  chiefly  terrestrial  in  char- 
acter. We  have  detected  remains  of  Cratonychus 
cinercus  with  larvae,  Harpalus  corn-par,  Casnonia 
peimsylvanica,  Platymis  cupripcnnis,  and  Scaritcs 
subteraneus,  besides  Formica  sanguined  y  F.  subtcr- 
ranea,  earthworms,  a  species  of  Tulus,  and  various 
spiders. 

We  have  never  known  it  to  breed  within  the 
limits  of  Philadelphia.  Dr.  Brewer*  describes  in 
"North  American  Birds,"  a  nest  that  was  obtained 
form  Chester  Co.,  Penn.  by  J.  P.  Norris,  Esq.,  that 
had  evidently  been  located  in  a  bed  of  fallen  leaves. 
Its  basal  part  was  loosely  built  of  dry  leaves,  upon 
which  was  placed  a  superstructure  constituting  a 
C3arse  lining  of  plant-stems  and  long,  wiry  rootlets. 
It  was  a  comparatively  flat  structure,  six  inches  in 
diameter,  and  two  in  height;  the  cup  being  only 
one-half  inch  in  depth. 

Dr.  Gerhardt  speaking  of  this  nest  in  northern 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  151 

Georgia,  says  it  is  built  generally  "on  the  ground 
under  a  tuft  of  grass,  often  on  a  hillside  and 
always  in  dry  places."  Externally,  it  is  mainly 
composed  of  leaves  of  the  oak  and  chestnut, 
loosely  aggregated,  and  possessing  scarcely  any 
coherence.  Internally,  a  mass  of  dark-brown 
roots,  compactly  interwoven,  exists.  The  nests  are 
awkwardly  and  inelegantly  made,  large  in  compari- 
son with  the  size  of  the  bird,  and  measure  four 
inches  in  diameter,  three  in  height,  and  two  in 
depth  of  cavity.  Another  nest  which  the  same 
writer  describes,  was  nearly  spherical,  with  an 
arched  entrance,  partially  lateral  in  position.  It 
was  partly  constructed  of  partially  decayed  leaves, 
somewhat  loosely  impacted  together,  which  were 
strengthened  by  a  framework  of  twigs,  stems,  and 
rootlets.  Within,  hair,  finer  rootlets,  and  fibres 
constituted  a  snug  lining.  This  nest  measured  six 
inches  in  diameter,  and  five  in  height. 

The  eggs  are  four  in  number,  sometimes  three, 
and  often  six,  and  in  Georgia  are  deposited  from  the 
4th  to  the  1 5th  of  May.  They  are  oblong-oval 
in  form,  and  sprinkled  with  fine,  red,  and  reddish- 
brown  dots  on  a  clear- white  ground-color,  which 
are  more  numerous  about  the  larger  end.  They 
measure  .68  of  an  inch  in  length,  .and  .55  in 
breadth. 

The  young  are*  said  by  Audubon  to  remain 
with  their  parents  until  they  retire  to  their  winter- 
quarters  in  Mexico,  Panama,  Guatemala,  and  Cuba. 

In  the  "American  Naturalist"  for  October,  1875, 


S  oP 

v/ 

A.  K.  Fisher,  Esq.,  of  Sing  Sing,  N.  Y.,  describes 
a  nest  which  he  and  a  friend  discovered  in  a  woods 
"overgrown  with  ferns  and  other  perennials."  It 
was  built  at  a  slight  elevation  from  tlie  ground, 
and  was  composed  of  coarse  grass  and  dry  chest- 
nut leaves,  externally,  and  lined  with  horse-hair. 
It  was  located  not  more  than  20  feet  from  the 
public  road. 

Gcothlypis  trichas,  Cabanis. 

This  beautiful  and  exceedingly  active  little 
species,  the  Maryland  Yellow  Throat,  generally 
arrives  in  the  latitude  of  Philadelphia  during  the 
first  week  of  May.  It  is  mostly  paired  on  its 
arrival;  sometimes,  isolated  individuals  are  ob- 
served. Few  species  are  more  eminently  social 
and  confiding.  At  its  earliest  appearance  it  con- 
sorts with  our  common  sparrows,  and  delights  in 
the  society  of  man  for  whom  it  manifests  marked 
attachment.  As  the  season  advances  and  the  time 
of  nesting  draws  near,  it  forsakes  such  places  for 
more  quiet  retreats. 

This  species  combines  the  attributes  of  the  Pari- 
dce  with  those  of  the  Muscicapida.  It  moves 
among  the  branches  and  foliage  of  trees,  and  often 
suspends  itselt  from  the  former  with  the  nimbleness 
of  the  little  Black  Cap;  and  perched  upon  a  small 
twig,  ever  on  the  alert,  it  seizes  a  passing  insect 
with  the  ease  and  dexterity  of  a  Flycatcher.  It  is 
not  strictly  arboreal  whilst  feeding,  having  been 
frequently  observed  by  us  gleaning  among  the^ 
forest  leaves. 


OP  EASTERN  PENNSYLVANIA*  153 

Its  food  consists  principally  of  coleopterous  and 
lepidopterous  larvae,  although  other  kinds  are 
devoured  when  there  is  a  scarcity  of  its  favorite 
diet.  At  first,  it  subsists  upon  beetles.  Among 
which  may  be  mentioned  Mycetochares  basillaris, 
Isomira  sericea,  Donacia  metallica,  D.  confluens, 
Platynus  cupripennis,  Harpahis  pensylvaniciis,  PL 
compar,  Scarites  subterraneus,  Chrysomela  ccerulci- 
pcnnis  and  C.  spircza;  Formica  sanguined,  F.  sub- 
tcrranea,  Selandria  roses,  Apis  mellifica,  Megachile 
centuncularis,  among  hymenoptera;  Syrphus  ob- 
scurus,  Culcx  tczniorhynchus,  Tabanus  lineola, 
Scatophaga  furcata  and  Miisca  domestica,  among 
diptera;  besides  small  spiders,  earthworms, 
aphides,  and  the  common  species  of  Julus. 
Later,  the  larvae  of  different  lepidoptera  are  eaten 
in  great  numbers.  Some  of  these  are  Harrisina 
Americana,  Anisopteryx  vernata,  Utethcisa  bella, 
Gortyna  zecz,  and  mature  forms  of  Spitosoma  Vir- 
gmica,  Orgya  leucostigma,  Penthina  pomonella, 
Acronycta  oblinita,  and  numerous  Noctuids  and 
Tortricids.  During  the  past  season,  the  Maryland 
Yellow  Throat  has  been  a  common  visitant  to  low, 
marshy  grounds,  where  it  may  be  frequently 
observed  perched  upon  a  tussock  of  grass,  on  the 
alert  for  small  insects ;  occasionally,  small,  shallow 
pools  on  account  of  the  aquatic  insects  which 
swarm  in  such  localities,  are  chosen. 

The  song  of  this  bird  is  a  lively  and  pleasing 
refrain,  easily  recognized,  and  exhibiting  at  times 
marked  variety.  It  resembles  very  closely  that 


154  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

of  the  Summer  Yellow  Bird.  When  in  the  full 
vigor  of  song,  about  the  i5th  of  May,  this  resem- 
blance is  not  so  marked  as  has  been  anticipated. 
Its  melody  consists  of  a  few  short  syllables,  re- 
peated rather  quickly  and  uniformly,  and  with  a 
loud,  distinct,  and  sharp  intonation,  and  may  be 
quite  accurately  expressed  in  language  by  tee- 
whlt-ti-tee-whlt-tl-tee-whit-ti.  Whilst  the  singer 
continues  his  protracted  search  for  insects,  the 
irksomeness  of  the  task  is  occasionally  relieved 
by  whlt-whl-ti-tee-tee.  Its  ordinary  note  is  a 
simple  twlch  which  is  uttered  very  infrequently. 

As  fond  as  this  species  appears  to  be  of  cultiva- 
ted grounds  and  lawns,  subsequently  to  nidification, 
it  has  never  been  observed  by  us  to  build  in  similar 
places.  For  this  purpose  it  usually  seeks  the  re- 
tirement of  thickets  where  there  is  a  dense  growth 
of  brier-bushes;  but,  occasionally,  the  nest  occupies 
the  centre  of  a  huge  skunk-cabbage,  carefully  con- 
cealed by  its  broad  leaves,  a  not  very  agreeable 
locality  judging  from  a  human  standpoint.  We 
are  told  that  this  species  is  more  partial  to  low 
than  high  grounds,  preferring  moist  to  dry  situa- 
tions. Our  observations  have  been  such  as  to 
warrant  the  assertion  that  there  is  a  strong  predi- 
lection for  the  latter  places.  With  but  a  single  ex- 
ception, all  the  nests  which  we  have  discovered 
during  the  past  five  years,  to  the  number  of  twenty 
and  upwards,  have  been  built  upon  high  grounds 
along  the  borders  of  thickets,  in  comparatively  dry 
places.  Ordinarily,  the  base  of  a  brier-bush  where 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  155 

there  is  an  accumulation  of  dry  leaves,  is  wisely 
selected  for  building-purposes. 

Nidification  does  not  usually  take  place  until 
three  or  four  weeks  after  the  arrival  of  the  species, 
which  is  often  during  the  latter  part  of  May,  but 
not  later  than  the  begining  of  June;  the  period 
apparently  depending  upon  the  forwardness  or 
backwardness  of  the  season.  Unlike  the  Redstart, 
the  wrorkis  the  joint  labor  of  the  sexes,  and  is  prose- 
ecuted  with  remarkable  diligence  until  completion. 
At  the  ordinary  rate  of  working,  a  nest  is  five  days 
in  building.  But  little  time  is  lost  preparatory  to 
oviposition.  This  requires  from  four  to  six  days, 
and  is  dependent  upon  the  number  of  eggs  which 
is  daily  deposited,  and  proceeds  at  the  rate  of  one 
egg/<?r  diem.  Incubation  takes  place  on  the  day  of 
deposit  of  the  last  egg,  or  the  succeeding  day, 
most  generally  the  latter,  and  continues  for  a 
period  not  exceeding  lodays.  The  duty  devolves 
exclusively  upon  the  female.  While  she  is  thus 
engaged,  the  male  actuated  by  the  purest  affection 
administers  to  her.  necessities  with  the  most  com- 
mendable zeal  and  alacrity. 

When  not  thus  employed  he  remains  in  the  im- 
mediate neighborhood  ready  to  resist  any  attack 
which  may  be  made  upon  the  nest.  On  the  ap- 
proach of  human  beings  he  evinces  the  utmost 
restlessness  and  solicitude,  and  seeks  by  the  most 
pitiful  cries  to  withdraw  the  intruder  from  any  con- 
templated assault. 

The  young   are  objects  of  the  tenderest  care. 


156  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

They  are  fed  with  the  larva;  of  small  beetles 
and  lepidoptera  mainly;  but  the  various  species  of 
our  common  diptera  are  also  freely  eaten.  But  a 
single  brood  is  reared  in  a  season.  The  young 
are  able  to  leave  the  nest  in  about  twelve  days ; 
but  remain  under  parental  care  for  a  week  longer, 
when  they  are  obliged  to  shift  for  themselves,  still 
permitted,  however,  to  enjoy  the  society  of  their 
parents. 

The  nest  in  the  latitude  of  Philadelphia  is  built 
after  the  following  fashion.  Firstly,  there  is  a  peri- 
phery of  loose  leaves  chiefly  of  Quercus  and  Fagus, 
which  are  held  in  position  by  the  circumferential 
walls  of  the  cavity  in  which  they  are  placed.  In- 
ternally,  there  is  a  layer  of  bark  of  the  wild  grape- 
vine loosely  interwoven,  and  lined  with  narrow 
strips  of  the  inner  bark  of  Quercus  and  Castanea. 
In  the  construction  of  the  rim  there  is  no  evidence 
that  would  lead  a  person  to  suspect  the  existence 
of  a  palisade  or  hedge  for  protective  purposes.  Of 
the  many  nests  which  we  have  seen  and  examined 
in  sitUy  not  one  has  ever  presented  the  slightest 
indication  of  such  an  appendage.  They  have 
nearly  all  been  inclined  at  angles  varying  from  20 
to  45  degrees,  and  have  been  deeply  imbedded 
among  the  roots  of  brambles,  and  invariably  con- 
cealed from  view  by  leaves. 

After  the  breeding-period  is  over,  the  Yellow 
Throat  revisits  but  occasionally  cultivated  districts, 
preferring,  however,  the  solitary,  dense  forests. 
It  retires  to  the  south  during  the  latter  part  of 
September. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  157 

The  eggs  are  a  beautiful  crystalline-white,  and 
are  dotted  and  blotched  around  the  larger  ex- 
tremity with  purple,  reddish-brown,  and  dark 
umber.  They  measure  about  .64  of  an  inch  in 
length,  and  .53  in  breadth.  The  size  varies  with 
the  latitude;  the  largest  coming  from  Kansas,  and 
the  smallest  from  Georgia.  Within  its  nest,  we 
have  frequently  found  the  eggs  of  Molothrus 
pecoris,  as  many  as  two  at  a  time. 

Geothlypis  Philadelphia,  Balrd. 

The  Mourning  Warbler  is  one  of  the  rarest  of 
our  spring  migrants.  It  makes  its  appearance 
early  in  May,  and  retires  north  to  breed  not  later 
than  the  22d  of  this  month.  We  have  observed 
it  but  once  in  four  years.  It  is  a  solitary  bird,  and 
delights  in  low  bushes,  rather  than  high,  open 
thickets  which  most  Warblers  are  accustomed  to 
frequent. 

It  is  fearless  and  unsuspecting,  and  suffers  itself 
to  be  approached  without  exhibiting  the  least 
alarm.  In  habits,  it  resembles  the  species  last 
described  in  many  particulars.  In  search  of  in- 
sects, it  is  an  energetic  creature,  clambering  along 
the  branches  of  small  shrubs,  and  freely  suspend- 
ing itself  from  their  extremities,  head  downward; 
and  as  often  darting  forward  with  notable  skill  to 
secure  some  passing  insect,  which  it  accomplishes 
with  nearly  the  dexterity  of  a  Flycatcher.  When 
molested,  it  does  not  seek  safety  in  prolonged 
flight,  or  climb  to  the  tops  of  tall  trees,  but  merely 


158  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

avoids  any  supposed  danger  by  short  flights  from 
bush  to  bush,  all  the  while  seemingly  manifesting 
as  little  timidity  and  concern  as  is  possible  under 
the  circumstances. 

Its  food  consists  chiefly  of  small  spiders,  and  the 
various  species  of ' Aphidce  which  are  the  curse  of 
florists,  on  account  of  the  immense  mischief  which 
they  commit;  besides  small  beetles  as  Bostrithus 
piuiy  Chrysomela  cceruleipennis,  C.  formosa,  Dona- 
da  coufluenta,  Harpalus  compar,  Platynus  cuprl- 
pennis,  which  it  procures  from  the  foliage  of  bushes 
and  the  surface  of  the  ground;  for  like  its  nearest 
congener  last  described,  this  species  is  both  ter- 
restrial and  arboreal. 

During  its  stay,  not  a  single  note  is  uttered.  It 
remains  the  same  busy,  songless  creature  to  the 
last;  its  chief  concern  being  the  gratification  of  a 
most  vigorous  appetite.  Mr.  Maynard  in  speaking 
of  the  song  of  the  male  which  he  heard  at  Lake 
Umbagog,  Maine,  says  in  substance,  it  is  heard 
early  in  the  morning  from  the  dead  branch  of  a 
tree,  or  the  top  rail  of  a  fence,  and  is  loud  and 
clear,  resembling  slightly  that  of  Seiurus  novebo- 
racensis.  Nuttall  describes  the  song  of  a  species 
which  he  presumed  to  be  the  one  under  con- 
sideration, as  a  very  agreeable  warble,  resembling 
the  lively  chant  of  the  Yellow  Throat  partially, 
and  to  a  certain  extent  the  song  of  Dendrceca 
(estiva.  Br.  Burroughs  likens  its  song  to  that  of 
Oporomis  formosa . 

From  its  manner  of  feeding  we  should  infer  that 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  159 

it  builds  either  upon  the  ground,  like  the  Yel- 
low Throat,  or  else  upon  small  bushes;  for  as  a 
rule  subject  to  some  exceptions,  however,  the  site 
fora  nest  measurably  depends  upon  the  terrestrial 
or  non-terrestrial  habits  of  a  species.  Birds  that 
generally  feed  high  up  in  trees,  usually  nidificate 
in  such  places;  those- that  feed  within  small  trees 
and  low  bushes,  build  low  down;  whereas,  species 
that  are  eminently  terrestrial  in  their  habits  of 
feeding,  or  frequent  very  low  bushes,  build  most 
generally  either  upon  the  ground  within  a  tussock 
of  grass,  or  in  a  concavity  in  the  soil  artfully  con- 
cealed by  dry  leaves;  but,  occasionally,  a  nest  is 
built  upon  a  low  bush.  In  "North  American 
Birds"  we  learn  that  a  nest  of  this  species  was 
discovered  by  John  Burroughs,  Esq.,  of  Washing- 
ton, "  near  the  ^headwaters  of  the  Delaware  river 
in  Roxbury,  Delaware  Co.,  N.  Y."  It  was  placed 
"in  some  ferns  about  one  foot  from  the  ground." 
From  the  very  close  resemblance  which  obtains 
between  the  breeding-habits  of  this  species  and 
those  of  trichas,  it  would  be  remarkably  strange  if 
it  should  .deviate  very  widely  from  the  latter  in 
habits  of  nidification. 

The  nest  alluded  to  was  built  in  a  hemlock  wood  ; 
it  was  rather  massive,  and  was  composed  of  dry 
stalks  and  leaves,  externally;  its  cavity  was  quite 
deep  and  was  lined  with  fine  black  roots. 

It  has  been  known  to  breed  in  Waterville, 
Maine,  and  there  are  good  reasons  for  supposing 
that  it  breeds  in  Vermont,  as  Mr.  Paine  has  ob- 


160  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

served  a  pair  with  their  young  at  Randolph;  and 
also  in  the  Adirondack  regions,  N.  Y.,  according 
to  the  authority  of  Mr.  George  Welch. 

The  eggs  are  oblong-oval  in  shape,  acuminate 
at  one  extremity,  and  marked  with  dark  purplish- 
brown  dots  and  blotches  of  varying  proportions. 
They  measure  .74  of  an  inch  in  length,  and  .54  in 
breadth.  The  probable  number  is  three. 

Subfamily  Icteriinae:     Chats. 

This  group  is  of  recent  establishment/  It  was 
formed  to  accommodate  the  North  America  genus 
Icteria  and  its  two  tropical  allies.  The  pro- 
priety of  considering  them  as  Warblers,  has'  been 
much  questioned.  The  genus  Icteria  is  larger 
than  any  other  Sylvicolidcs,  and  has  the  bill  short, 
stout  and'compressecl;  the  culmen  a,nd  commissure 
curved ;  rictus  devoid  of  bristles,  and  tip  unnotched ; 
the  wings  are  rounded  and  usually  shorter  than 
the  tail.  The  sexes  have  little  color-variation.  It 
is  probable  that  the  genus  is  restricted  to  a  single 
species. 

Icteria  virens,  Baird. 

The  Yellow-breasted  Chat  arrives  in  Philadelphia 
not  earlier  than  the  first  week  of  May.  The  males 
apparently  precede  the  females  by  at  least  three 
days.  In  disposition  this  species  is  remarkably 
shy,  and  affects  a  partiality  for  retired  localities, 
which  high  woods  with  dense  underbrush,  and 
uncultivated  fields  with  patches  of  brambles,  afford. 
It  shuns  rather  than  courts  man's  society. 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA,  l6l 

Its  habits  whilst  feeding  are  both  terrestrial  and 
arboreal;  it,  however,  restricts  its  foraging  to  low 
trees  and  shrubs.  In  general  movements,  there 
are  noticeable  remarkable  agility  and  a  certain  de- 
gree of  eccentricity.  They  frequently  squat  upon 
the  ground,  keeping  up  all  the  while  a  peculiar 
jerking  movement  of  the  tail;  then  spring  upon 
their  feet  and  display  the  most  antic  gestures. 
When  surprised  while  thus  occupied,  they  en- 
deavor to  effect  concealment  among  the  bushes, 
or  seek  security  in  flight. 

The  food  of  the  Chat  consists  mainly  of  in- 
sects, although  the  fruits  of  the  wild  strawberry 
(JFrkgctnd  Visginicd},  Rubns  villosus,  and  the 
common  whortleberry  are  esteemed  great  luxuries. 
We  have  detected  in  the  several  stomachs  which 
we  have  examined,  the  presence  of  Pdngtis  caligi- 
nosus,  Harpalus  pensylrahicuS)  H.  cotupar,  Scarites 
subtcrrancus,  ffAtynus  cupripsnnis,  Bostrichus  pini, 
Donacia  pusiUa,  Chrysomela  cczruleipennis,  and 
many  other  coleoptera;  besides  Formica  sanguined, 
F.  subicrranea,  small  spiders,  and  the  smaller 
species  of  Tulis.  Later,  the  smajler  lepidoptera 
belonging-  to  the  Noctuidce,  Tortricidcc,  and 
Tineidce,  in  mature  stages,  besides  the  larvae  of 
Anisopteryx  vcrnaia,  Eufitchia  ribearia,  Clisio- 
campa  Americana,  Utctlieisa  bclla,  and  Colias  philo- 
dice  are  eagerly  hunted. 

Its  song  consists  of  a  variety  of  uncouth  sounds 
easily  imitated;  at  one  time,  comparing  favorably 
with  the  whistling  of  the  .wings  of  a  duck,  being 

K 


I  62  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

loud  and  rapid,  and  produced  with  a  gradual 
cadence;  at  another  time,  closely  resembling  the 
barking  of  young  puppies;  and,  again,  resembling 
the  mewing  of  a  cat,  only  hoarser.  These  notes 
are  uttered  with  great  vehemence  in  divers  keys, 
and  with  peculiar  modifications.  Its  voice,  as  it 
shifts  from  place  to  place,  the  possessor  being 
unseen,  seems  to  be  more  like  that  of  a  spirit  than 
a  bird.  At  one  time  it  is  close  by:  the  next  move- 
ment it  comes  from  a  distance;  so  that  by  these 
tricks  of  ventriloquism,  it  is  not  always  possible  to 
locate  its  whereabouts  with  any  degree  of  cer- 
tainty. The  following  syllables  express  its  song 
during  the  period  of  nidification  quite  accurately: — 
twi-wl-wi-wi-wl-iul,  hw  aw  aw  aw  aw  a,  kuh,-chi-chi- 
chl-chi-chl,  tweniili,  chzveah. 

'Mating  commences  during  the  last  week  of 
May  usually,  and  nest-building  early  in  June. 
The  nest  is  generally  placed  within  a  forked  twig 
of  Kalmia  latifolia,  the  smaller  growths  being  in- 
variably selected.  It  is  rarely  placed  at  a  greater 
height  than  three  feet  from  the  ground.  In  a  few 
instances  we  have  seen  nests  in  brier-bushes. 

The  nest  is  the  joint  labor  of  both  sexes,  and  is 
the  reward  of  patient  and  unwearied  perseverance 
from  three  to  four  days.  Oviposition  instantly 
succeeds,  and  proceeds  at  the  rate  of  one  egg  per 
day;  this  duty  is  followed  by  that  of  incubation 
which  continues  for  a  period  of  1 1  days,  the  female 
performing  the  labor  exclusively.  Whilst  the 
latter  is  thus  employed,  the  male  becomes  a  very 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  163 

faithful  and  jealous  husband.  When  not  engaged 
in  the  procurement  of  food  for  her  and  self,  he 
seeks  to  relieve  the  monotony  of  her  task  by  his 
best  vocal  performances ;  and  ever  and  anon,  shows 
his  delight  by  the  most  ridiculous  and  unmeaning 
rhapsodies  and  gestures.  During  these  exhibi- 
tions of  overflowing  spirits,  he  chants  his  prettiest 
and  best.  The  approach  of  an  enemy  on  such 
occasions,  is  heralded  by  loud  and  noisy  chatter- 
ings  between  fear  and  anger;  and  even  frequent 
attempts  are  made  to  repel  the  intruder. 

The  young  are  objects  of  intense  solicitude  on 
the  part  of  the  parents.  Both  are  assiduous  in 
their  efforts  to  provide  them  with  suitable  and 
abundant  nourishment.  Larvae  of  various  kinds, 
diptera,  smaller  lepidoptera,  and  the  berries  oiFra- 
garia  Virginica  and  Rubus  villosus  are  in  great 
demand.  As  they  advance  in  age,  their  diet  is  in- 
creased in  quality  and  quantity.  In  about  thirteen 
days  from  the  time  of  hatching  they  leave  the  nest, 
and  in  a  week  more  they  are  thrown  upon  their 
own  resources.  In  this  latitude  there  is  but  one 
brood  in  a  season. 

In  a  nest  before  us  which  may  be  considered 
typical  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania,  the  exterior  is 
rather  loose  in  structure,  and  composed  almost  ex- 
clusively of  the  inner  bark  of  Bctulu  excelsa,  in 
strips  from  one-half  to  nearly  three-fourths  of  an 
inch  in  width  and  nearly  nine  inches  in  length,  in 
some  instances.  Interiorly  there  is  a  thick  lining 
of  roots  compactly  interwoven,  and  "which  gradu- 


I  64  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

ally  diminish  in  thickness  toward  the  centre. 
Another  nest  which  we  possess  differs  materially 
in  composition  from  the  foregoing.  It  is  composed 
exteriorly  of  skeletonized  leaves  of  Betula  excelsa 
in  profusion,  loosely  arranged  and  held  in  situ  by 
the  small  and  nearly  vertical  branches  between 
which  it  is  posited.  Within,  the  inner  bark  of  the 
wild  grape-vine  sparingly,  culms  of  grasses,  small 
sticks,  and  a  soft  lining  of  beech-leaves  and  slender 
stems  of  grasses,  are  noticeable  features. 

The  breeding-period  being  past,  it  spends  the 
remainder  of  its  time  until  its  departure  early  in 
September,  in  thick,  brier-bushes,  and  within  close 
hedges;  but  occasionally  forsakes  such  places  for 
cultivated  fields.  Now  its  song  can  be  heard  at 
midnight,  and  frequently  continues  until  daybreak. 
The  early  departure  of  the  Chat  is  not  due  to  the 
paucity  of  appropriate  food-stuffs,  but  chiefly  to  its 
remarkable  susceptibility  to  cold.  On  rainy  days 
in  August  which  are  often  attended  with  low  ba- 
rometric pressure,  this  species  becomes  so  affected 
in  consequence,  as  to  render  it  easy  of  capture. 

The  eggs  are  four  or  five  in  number,  rounded- 
oval  in  shape,  and  marked  with  reddish-brown  and 
lilac  spots  upon  a  white  and  slightly  yellowish 
background.  They  average  .88  of  an  inch  in  length 
and  .68  in  breadth. 

Subfamily  Setophaginae.  Fly  catching   Warblers. 
While  many  of  the  Sytincolida  are  dexterous  in 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA,  165 

the  capture  of  insects  upon  the  wing,  the  represen- 
tatives of  this  group,  accomplish  the  task  with 
special  address,  for  which  reason  they  were  for- 
merly placed  in  the  extensive  old  genus  Muscicapa. 
The  Sctophagina  are  mainly  developed  in  Central 
and  South  America,  where  they  embrace  three  or 
four  genera  with  more  than  forty  species.  As 
some  of  them  closely  resemble  the  Tyrannidcz,  the 
presence  of  only  nine  primaries  and  the  oscine 
character  of  the  tarsi  will  clearly  distinguish  them 
from  these  clamatorial  birds. 

Myiodioctes  mitrat^is,  Aud. 

The   Hooded  Warbler  is  almoust   exclusively  a 
southern  species,  being  found  in  South  Carolina 
in  greater  abundance  than  in  any  other  State.     It 
makes  its  appearance  early  in  May,  but  does  not 
remain  to  breed.     It  leaves  us  about  the   i5th  of 
May.      It  is  fond  of  sequestered  situations,  and 
has  been  observed  by  us  both  in  high  and  low 
grounds,  in  the  laurel  thickets  of  the  Wissahickon 
hills,  and  in  the  dense  undergrowth  of  many  of  its 
valleys.      It  is  an  expert  flycatcher,  pursuing  its 
prey  with  spirit  and  activity  until  captured,  and 
catching  the  greater  part  upon  the  wing.     It  is 
the  liveliest  of  its  tribe,  and  is  almost  constantly 
in  motion.     While  gambolling  from  tree  to  tree, 
it  has  a  peculiar  graceful  fashion  of  opening  and 
closing  its  tail,  which  clearly  distinguishes  it  from 
any  other  species. 


1 66  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF 

The   flight   of   this    bird    is    lo\v,   gliding",    and 
moderately  sustained. 

During  its  brief  stay  of  a  week  it  is  apparently 
silent;  not  so  much  as  a  simple  call  has  it  been 
heard  to  utter.  Coming  alone  and  being  a  solitary 
and  voracious  feeder,  its  attention  is  so  completely 
engrossed  with  appetital  gratification,  that  other 
influences  are  temporarily  held  in  abeyance.  Its 
call-note  is  said  by  Mr.  Audubon  to  resemble  that 
of  Spiza  cirls,  but  difficult  to  distinguish;  but  its 
song  of  three  syllables  is  loud,  cheerful  and  agree- 
able, and  resembles  wcst,ivset,w:etec.  The  species 
is  pre-eminently  vocal  in  the  spring,  so  says  the 
sirne  writer,  but  ceases  altogether  at  the  time  of 
the  first  hatching;  its  song  is  resumed  when  the^ 
mate  is  again  sitting  on  her  second  set  of  egg-s. 

Its  food  consists  of  beetles,  two-winged  flies, 
and  lepidoptera,  principally.  Although  chiefly 
aerial,  so  to  speak,  in  foraging  for  food,  it  is  never- 
theless, both  arboreal  and  terrestrial.  The  fol- 
lowing insects  constitute  a  portion  of  its  volumin- 
ous bill  of  fare: — Cymindis  viridipennis,  Donacia 
metallica,  D.  co&flitciita,  Bostrichus  pini,  Chryso- 
mela  c&ruleipennis,  Casnonia  pmnsylvanica  and 
C^dex  taeniorhynchus,  among  diptera;  Apis  mclli- 
fica,  Formica  sanguined,  F.  subterranea,  Selandria 
rostz,  Megachile  centuncularis,  and  various  species 
of  Halictus  among  hymenoptera;  Utetheisa  bclla, 
Lithosia  miniala,  Anisopteryx  veniala,  in  larval 
state,  mature  forms  of  Spilosoma  Virginica,  and 
many  of  the  smaller  Noctuida  and  Tineida  ;  besides 
various  species  of  aphides  and  spiders. 


OF  EASTERN  PENNSYLVANIA.  167 

According  to  Wilson  the  nest  is  placed  in  the 
fork  of  a  small  bush  and  is  very  neatly  and  com- 
pactly built.  It  is  formed  externally  of  flaxen 
fibres  of  plants  and  moss,  and  lined  with  hair  and 
feathers.  Mr.  Audubon  says  it  is  placed  a  few 
feet  from  the  ground,  and  is  found  in  low  situa- 
tions. The  late  Dr.  Gerhardt  of  Georgia,  in  writing 
to  Dr.  Brewer,  says  that  it  is  built  of  coarse  grass 
and  dry  leaves,  externally,  and  internally  of  pine- 
needles  interwoven  with  horse-hair  and  long  yellow 
grasses,  and  resembles  the  nest  of  Spiza  cyanea, 
but  is  larger.  The  nest  he  further  affirms  is 
placed  upon  oak  bushes,  four  or  five  feet  from  the 
ground,  close  by  brooks  and  creeks,  Mr.  Ridg- 
way  states  it  to  be  a  common  summer  resident  in 
'the  bottom-lands  of  sotthern  Illinois,  where  it  in- 
habits the  borders  of  bushy  swamps  and  cane- 
brakes. 

The  eggs  are  four  or  five  in  number,  oval  in 
shape,  and  pointed  at  one  extremity.  They  have 
a  beautiful  white  background,  flesh-colored  when 
fresh,  and  are  marked  with  fine,  red  spots,  and  a 
few  of  subdued  purple.  The  length  is  .70  of  an 
inch,  and  the  breadth  .50. 

Myiodioctes  pusilhts,  Bonap. 

The  Green  Black-capped  Flycatcher  is  pretty 
abundant  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania,  where  it  ar- 
rives early  in  May  in  transitu,  and  leaves  about 
the  1 5th  of  the  same  month.  Like  its  near  cousin 


1 68  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF    BIRDS 

which  we  have  just  described,  it  affects  a  fondness 
for  retired  situations,  where  among  the  low  bushes 
of  low  lands,  and  the  small  trees  and  underbrush 
of  wooded   hillsides,   it    is    busy   gleaning    from 
morning  until  night.     It  is  exceedingly  shy  and 
contrives  to  keep  out  of  the  way  of  danger..    It 
possesses  many  of  the  attributes  of  the  Muscica- 
pida,  and  like  mitmtus  exhibits  much  energy  and 
spirit  in  catching  its  prey  on  the  wing.     It  is  at 
the  same  time  both  terrestrial  and  arboreal. 

Its  flight  is  low,  gliding  and  tolerbly  protracted. 
In  the  intervals   of  feeding,  it.  is   occasionally 
heard  to  utter  a  loud  chattering  song  which  Wilson 
was  pleased  to  characterize  as  a  "sharp,  squeaking 
note,  in  nowise  musical."     Mr.  Nuttall  who  dis- 
played such  a  happy  faculty  in  expressing  the  syl-, 
labic  languages  of  birds,  calls  ,it  a  "little,  cheerful 
songster,  the  very  counterpart  of  our  brilliant  and 
cheerful  Yellow  Bird,"  and  describes  its  song  as 
lesembling  'tsh-tsh-tsJ.ca.     The  call   is  short  and 
far  from  being  loud. 

The  following  insects  constitute  a  small  fraction 
of  its  bill  of  fare: — Donacia  conflucnia,  Haltica 
chalylea,  Cymiriais  viridipennis,  Dcnacia  victallica, 
Muse  a  domcslica,  Scatophaga  furcala,  ApJiis  mali, 
Apis  mcHifica,  Andrencz,  Halicii,  Selandria  rosce, 
Anisopicryx  vernala,  Colias  philodicc,  Eufitchia 
ribearla  in.  their  larval  state  and  mature  forms, 
with  many  of  the  early  Noctiiidcz  and  Tineid<e\ 
besides  ants  and  small  spiders. 

This  species  breeds  in  high  northern  latitudes, 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  169 

among  the  exuberant  shrubbery  upon  the 
margins  of  the  canyons  of  the  lofty  interior  moun- 
tain ranges.  Mr.  Nuttall  speaks  of  its  breeding 
in  Oregon,  and  Mr.  Audubon  in  Labrador.  We 
have  no  evidence  that  it  breeds  in  our  Middle  and 
Northeastern  States,  but  future  explorations  may 
show  that  in  limited  numbers  it  does  so  in  North- 
western Maine. 

A  nest  discovered  in  Oregon  by  Mr.  Nuttall,  on 
the  1 6th  of  May,  was  placed  very  adroitly  upon  a 
mass  of  Usnea,  on  a  branch  of  the  service-bush.  It 
was  composed  external!^  of  Hypnum  mosses,  and 
internally  of  dry,  wiry  grasses.  Another  found  in 
Labrador  by  Mr.  Audubon,  was  placed  in  the  very 
centre  of  a  thicket,  at  the  extremity  of  a  horizontal 
branch,  almost  concealed  by  the  foliage  of  a  stunted 
fir.  It  was  composed  of  pine-twigs  and  dry  mosses 
agglutinated  to  the  leaves  and  branch  upon  which 
it  was  hung,  and  was  "lined  with  fine  vegetable 
fibres.  The  diameter  was  three  and  a  half,  and 
the  depth  one  and  a  half  inches. 

The  eggs  are  usually  four  in  number,  obovate 
in  shape,  and  spotted  with  reddish  and  brown  dots 
upon  a  white  background:  Audubon  describes 
these  markings  as  forming  a  circle  about  the 
larger  end,  leaving  the  extremity  plain. 

Myiodioctes  Canadensis,  Aud. 

The  Canadian  Flycatcher  is  quite  abundant  in 
Eastern  Pennsylvania  in  transilu,  arriving  from  its 
genial  southern  home  early  in  May,  and  remains 


I7O  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

for  nearly  three  weeks,  when  it  resumes  its  noth- 
ward-bound  journey.  It  leads  a  solitary  life  and 
being  fond  of  retirement,  ordinarily  seeks  the 
borders  of  dense  woods,  where  among  the  smaller 
trees  and  shrubbery  it  procures  a  ready  subsist- 
ence. When  the  apple  and  cherry  are  in  blossom 
it  vacates  its  former  retreats  for  cultivated  grounds 
which  yield  it  an  ample  remuneration  for  its  trouble. 

It  manifests  but  ordinary  timidity  when  ap- 
proached, and  like  the  little  Parula  Americana 
before  mentioned,  only  seeks  safety  in  flight  when 
closely  pressed  by  its  pursuers,  merely  indulging 
in  short  flights  from  branch  to  branch,  and  from 
bush  to  bush. 

Whilst  foraging,  its  movements  are  exceedingly 
agile  and  graceful,  combining  in  a  remarkable 
manner  the  peculiar  attributes  of  both  the  Parid& 
and  Muscicapidce.  Like  the  former  it  moves  with 
nimbleness  along  the  trunks  and  branches  of  trees, 
in  every  conceivable  direction;  freely  suspending 
itself  from  their  lower  surfaces,  and  occasionally 
poising  itself  before  an  expanding  bud  or  flower; 
like  the  latter  when  the  opportunity  occurs,  it  will 
seize  a  passing  insect  with  equal  ease  anq  dexterity. 

Its  habits  whilst  feeding  are  pre-eminently  arbo- 
real, although  there  is  ground  for  the  belief  that 
it  is  sometimes  terrestrial.  Several  stomach  ex- 
aminations disclose  the  presence  of  beetles  whose 
habits  are  exclusively  terrestrial,  as  the  following 
listabundantly  shows: — Thaneroclerus  sanguineiis> 
Haltica  chalybea,  Chrysomela  cwu/cipenms,  Fero- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  1 71 

nia  chaldtes,  Donacia  confluenta,  Harpahis  pensyl- 
vanicus,  and  Platynus  cupripennis.  Besides  coleop- 
tera,  our  commonest  ants  and  small  spiders  are 
articles  of  diet. 

During  its  temporary  sojourn,  like  many  other 
migrants,  it  does  not  regale  us  with  a  song;  not 
even  a  solitary  call-note  is  it  heard  to  utter.  Its 
song  is  heard  in  its  more  northern  breeding-quar- 
ters. In  Massachusetts  it  is  said  to  be  very  pleas- 
ing, and  heard  very  infrequently,  and  only  in 
certain  places. 

There  is  no  evidence  that  this  species  nidificates 
in  this  latitude.  Audubon  affirms  that  it  retires  to 
mountainous  districts  for  this  essential  purpose. 
It  is  not  easy  to  assign  suitable  reasons  for  such 
preference.  An  abundance  of  suitable  diet,  the 
absence  of  particular  enemies,  combined  with  force 
of  habit,  may  have  determined  its  choice  of  localities. 
The  nest  of  this  species  according  to  Dr.  Brewer, 
was  "  built  in  a  trussock  of  grass,  in  swampy- 
woods,  concealed  by  the  surrounding  rank  vege- 
tation, in  the  midst  of  which  it  was  placed."  It  is 
described  as  being  composed  of  decayed  leaves, 
grapevine  bark,  fine  stems,  and  rootlets  in  small 
proportion,  with  an  excess  of  pine-needles,  the 
whole  being  so  loosely  interwoven  as  to  render 
removal  impracticable.  It  was  nearly  flat  and 
measured  three  and  a  half  inches  in  diameter.  Its 
greatest  depth  in  the  centre  of  the  cavity  was 
barely  a  half  inch.  This  nest  was  obtained  by 
George  O.  Welch,  Esq.,  in  Lynn,  Mass.,  in  June, 


1/2  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

1856.  Another  nest  which  Dr.  Brewer  describes 
and  which  was  found  by  the  same  observing 
naturalist,  was  more  carefully  and  elaborately  con- 
structed, and  possesed  greater  compactness. 

The  eggs  are  five  in  number,  and  marked  with 
dots  and  blotches  of  brown  and  purple  upon  a 
clear  white  background,  forming  a  wreath  about 
the  larger  end.  They  measure  .70  of  an  inch  in 
length  and  .55  in  breadth. 

It  returns  early  in  September,  stops  a  few  days 
from  its  journey  when  it  frequent  sequestered 
localities,  and  continues  a  silent  feeder  until  its  de- 
parture during  the  last  week  of  September, 

Setophaga  ruticilla.  Swains. 

•  • 

The  Redstart  is  far  from  being  a  rare  species. 
At  the  time  of  writing,  June  4th,  it  is  uncommonly 
abundant.  It  appears  often  as  early  as  the  2Oth 
of  April,  but  never  later  than  the  5th  of  May.  Ij; 
is  never  gregarious,  but  remains  a  solitary  hunter 
until  mating  is  accomplished.  At  first  its  foraging 
is  restricted  to  high  open  woodlands,  but  as  the 
season  advances,  it  becomes  more  familiar,  ap- 
proaches our  principal  thoroughfares,  visits  our 
orchards  and  lawns  and  gleans  amid  the  blossoms 
and  leaves.  It  now  becomes  exceedingly  tame\ 
and  suffers  the  nearest  approach  without  fear  or 
alarm. 

Its  movements  and  habits  are  those  of  a  .Fly- 
catcher.  In  quest  of  food  it  moves  with  remark- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA. 


173 


able  agility,  assuming  a  variety  of  attitudes;  min- 
gles among  the  leaves,  and  anon  darts  forward 
with  unerring  precision,  seizing  an  unfortunate 
insect  which  has  unwittingly  strayed  across  its  line 
of  vision. 

In  the  procurement  of  food  it  is  as  often  Jound 
upon  the  uppermost  branches  of  tall  trees,  as  upon 
the  nethermost,  or  small  bushes.  It  is  not  strictly 
arboreal,  having  been  found  by  us  feeding  upon 
fallow  ground.  At  first  it  destroys  immense  num- 
bers of  beetles  which  afford  it  a  rich  nourishment; 
• 

but  its  appetite  soon  cloys  of  such  food,  and  clip- 
tera,  aphides,  and  lepidoptera  in  their  larval  and 
perfect  stages,  constitute  a  happy  exchange.  We 
have  detected  the  remains  of  Rhynchcenus  pini, 
Boslrichus  pini,  Cralonychus  cinereus,  C.  pcrtinax, 
PlatyniLs  cupripennis,  Plarpalus  compar,  Donacia 
confluenta,  Chrysoniela  cceruleipennis,  among  cole- 
op  tera;  Formica  sanguinea,  F.  subterranca,  Apis 
mellifica>  Selandria  rosce,  S.  viii,  Megachile  centun- 
cularis,  several  Halicti  and  Andrence,  among 
hymenoptera ;  Musca  domestica,  Syrpkus  obscurus, 
Culcx  tceniorkynchiiS)  Stomoxys  calcitrans,  Tabanus 
lincola,  Tipula  ferruginea,  among  diptera;  Aphis 
roses,  A.  mali,  and  other  Aphidce,  the  small  spiders 
that  infest  the  bark,  leaves,  and  flowers  of  plants ; 
Ttgenaria  domestica,  Epeira  diadema,  and  mature 
forms  of  the  lepidoptera  Harrisina  Americana, 
Lithosia  miniala,  Spilosoma  Virginica,  Penthina 
ponwnella,  Orgya  leucostigma,  many  of  the  Noc- 
tuidce,  Tortricidcc,  Lyc&nida,  and  Tincidce,  with  the 


174  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

larvae  of  Anisopteryx  vernata,  Eufitchia  ribearia, 
Pieris  rapcv,  Colias  philodice,  Pieris  brassiccz,  Ute~ 
theisa  bella,  Eudryas  grata,  Catocala,  cutworms  of 
the  genus  A  gratis,  and  others, 

The  song  of  the  Redstart  resembles  very  closely 
that  of  Mniotilta  varia,  but  is  less  prolonged  and 
delivered  more  quickly  and  in  a  sharper  key.  It 
may  be  aptly  expressed  by  the  syllables  tsi-tsi- 
tsiwe,  the  last  syllable  ending  very  abruptly.  Its 
ordinary  call-note  is  a  simple  tsich,  the  two  final 
letters  have  the  German  pronunciation. 

A  peculiarity  of  this  species  whilst  singing  de- 
serves a  passing  notice.  As  if  possessed  of  a 
high  degree  of  self-esteem  and  an  over-anxiety  to 
display  its  attractions  to  the  best  advantage,  it 
habitually  elevates  and  opens  its  wings,  expands 
its  tail-feathers  with  a  show  of  affectation,  all  in 
harmony  with  the  rhythm  of  its  song.  The 
females  vie  with  the  males  in  .their  vocal  powers. 

We  are  led  to  believe  that  the  males  migrate 
several  days  in  advance  of  the  females,  as  they  are 
the  first  to  manifest  themselves.  The  sexes  pay 
little  regard  to  each  other's  presence  at  first; 
selfish  gratifications  predominating  over  every 
other  motive  or  consideration. 

This  species  breeds  mostly  in  retired  localities, 
as  dense  woods  with  a  thick  underbrush.  Oc- 
casionally, nidification  occurs  close  to  human  habi- 
tations. After  mating,  about  the  2oth  of  May,  the 
birds  commence  to  construct  their  nests,  which  is 
usually  the  case  during  the  first  week  of  June, 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  175 

sometimes  during  the  last  week  of  May.  A  small 
bush  is  selected  for  this  purpose;  most  commonly 
Juniperus  communis;  the  nest  being  seldom  placed 
higher  than  from  five  to  six  feet  above  the  ground. 

The  labor  of  building  devolves  upon  the  female, 
mainly;  the  male  occasionally  rendering  a  little 
assistance.  While  his  partner  like  a  true  and 
faithful  servant  plies  her  task  with  indefatigable 
zeal,  he  occasionally  deserts  his  post  close  by,  to 
inspect  the  character  of  the  work,  and  occasionally 
deigns  to  adjust, a  stray  piece,  or  to  render  the 
structure  more  symmetrical.  The  work  continues 
through  the  day,  and  is  prosecuted  with  commend- 
able rapidity.  Ordinarily,  it  requires  a  period  of 
three  days  to  complete  a  nest,  which  is  about  the 
time  the  Summer  Yellow  Bird  devotes  thereto. 
Whilst  the  female  is  laboring  hard  under  the  sur- 
veillance of  her  lord,  the.  male  as  if  to  encourage 
and  stimulate  her  to  greater  exertions,  rewards 
her  occasionally  with  a  juicy  tidbit. 

The  nest  is  built  in  a  crotch,  and  held  in  posi- 
tion by  nearly  vertical  branches.  It  presents, 
exteriorly,  at  a  short  distance,  a  decided  resem- 
blance to  the  nest  of  Dendroeca  (estiva-,  but,  upon 
critical  examination,  perceptible  differences  are 
found  to  exist.  The  periphery  of  the  nest  is  com- 
posed of  hempen  fibres  of  Linum  Virginianum  and 
L.  usitatissimutn  almost  exclusively,  with  a  few 
spiders'  webs;  interiorly,  there  is  a  profusion  of 
horse-hairs.  The  height  is  four  inches,  and  the 
diameter  nearly  two  and  a  half.  The  diameter  at 


176  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

the  mouth  and  the  depth  of  the  cavity  are  the 
same,  being  about  two  inches.  The  structure  is 
beautifully  symmetrical,  hemispherical  in  shape, 
and  neatly  and  compactly  woven. 

Oviposifion  is  closely  attended  upon  nest-com- 
pletion, and  proceeds  at  the  rate  of  one  egg  per  day, 
until  the  number  is  laid  which  requires  a  period  of 
four  days.  Incubation  subsequently  follows,  and 
lasts  for  1 1  .days,  the  female  performing  the  labor 
exclusively.  Whilst  she  is  thus  occupied,  her  part- 
ner administers  to  her  necessities.  When  not  thus 
occupied,  he  remains  near  by,  manifesting  the 
utmost  solicitude. 

When  clanger  is  imminent,  he  comes  boldly  to 
the  front,  and  endeavors  by  his  clamors  and  mena- 
cing attitudes,  to  inspire  fear  on  the  part  of  the  in- 
truders. He  is  bold  and  courageous,  and  like  the 
Ruby-throated  Humming  Bird,  darts  with  gaping 
jaws  into  the  face  of  the  person  who  dares  to  dis- 
turb his  nest  or  mate.  The  female  is  so  strongly 
attached  to  her  nest,  that  she  will,  permit  a  very 
close  approach  before  she  can  persuade  herself  to 
vacate. 

The  young  are  objects  of  more  than  ordinary 
solicitude.  Both  parents  labor  unremittingly  to 
provide  them  with  suitable  and  abundant  nourish- 
ment. They  are  fed  upon  young  caterpillars  and 
larvae  of  various  insects  which  the  parents  procure 
at  great  distances.  The  larvae  of  Anisopteryx 
veniata  and  other  geometers,  Colias  pkilodice, 
Harrisina  Americana,  Eiifitchia  ribearia,  and  67/- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.       .  177 

siocampa  Americana;  besides  mature  forms  of 
Mused  domestica,  Tabanus  lineola,  Syrphus  obscurus, 
S.  obliquus,  Formica  sanguinea,  aphides,  and  small 
spiders  in  abundance,  are  largely  devoured.  Late 
in  the  season,  both  young  and  old  subsist  in  .part 
upon  the  berries  of  yuniperus  Virginiana,  and  the 
seeds  of  grasses.  The  young  leave  the  nest  in 
about  12  days  after  being  hatched,  and  in  a  week 
more  are  fitted  to  care  for  themselves.  The  species 
is  single-brooded.  Both  young  and  old  retire  to 
their  winter  homes  late  in  September,  spending  the 
interval  of  time  between  brood-raising  and  retire- 
ment, in  cultivated  fields. 

The  -eggs  are  usually  four  in  number,  grayish- 
white,  and  blotched  and  clotted  with  purple  and 
brown.  They  average  .63  of  an  inch  in  length 
and  .50  in  breadth;  they  resemble  slightly  those 
of  D.  tzstiva. 

Family  Tanagridae.   Tanagers. 

This  extensive  and  beautiful  family  is  restricted 
to  America.  The  species  are  chiefly  tropical.  Its 
precise  position  is  undetermined.  The  single  well- 
established  North  American  genus  Pyranga,  em- 
braces birds  of  brilliant  colors  with  marked  seasonal 
and  sexual  variations  in  plumage.  In  distribution 
it  is  rather  southerly,  never  passing  beyond  the 
limits  of  the  United  States. 

Pyranga  rubra,  Vieill. 

The  Scarlet  Tanager  may  be  considered  as  one 

L 


178  .       LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

of  the  most  conspicuous  and  brilliant  of  our 
summer  occupants.  From  its  appearance  early 
in  May  until  its  departure  during  the  first  week  of 
September,  it  accomplishes  an  immense  amount 
of  good  in  the  destruction  of  many  insects  in  their 
various  developmental  stages. 

Within  secluded  situations  this  species  displays 
a  certain  amount  of  shyness  and  timidity,  which  it 
throws  aside  on  its  visits  to  the  domains  of  man. 
We  have  frequently  approached  within  a  few  paces 
of  it  without  exciting  undue  alarm.  In  wooded 
regions  it  seeks  the  topmost  boughs  of  the  tallest 
trees,  where  it  gleans  for  hours  its  daily  subsist- 
ence. The  apple  and  pear  are  its  favorite  trees 
outside  of  its  natural  haunts.  In  its  habits  of  feed- 
ing it  is  far  from  being  strictly  arboreal,  as  we 
have  known  it  to  follow  the  plowman  in  company 
with  the  Robin  and  Purple  Grakle. 

This  species  is  never  gregarious.  Early  in  the 
season  the  sexes  are  dissociated,  and  lead  solitary 
lives.  From  their  earliest  appearance,  it  is  obvious 
that  the  male  arrives  in  advance  of  the  female. 
Perhaps  the  modest  and  unassuming  garb  of  the 
female  renders  her  a  less  conspicuous  object  of 
notice  than  her  more  highly  favored  partner. 

The  habits  of  the  males  on  their  arrival  confirm 
us  in  our  opinion.  They  -seek  the  tops  of  the 
loftiest  trees,  and  for  an  hour  at  least  pour  forth 
their  choicest  music,  doubtless,  with  a  view  of  at- 
tracting the  passing  females.  We  have  known 
instances  where  a  venturesome  fellow  had  stationed 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  I  ^  £ 

himself  upon  a  tall  tree  by  the  side  of  a  public 
road,  utterly  unconscious  of  his  surroundings  and 
aught  else  save  the  task  which  he  had  in  view, 
and  which  he  performed  with  commendable  vim. 

Within  the  coverts  of  dense  woods,  the  male 
invariably  seeks  the  tallest  tree-tops,  seldom 
changing  his  position  unless  to  seize  a  passing 
insect,  or  to  obey  the  call  of  a  kindred  species.  At 
irregular  intervals  he  utters  his  simple  call  of  chi- 
charr.  The  sounds  are  strangely  delusive,  seem- 
ingly emanating  from  a  distance,  when  their  author 
is  evidently  close  by.  Later  in  the  season  when 
the  trees  are  covered  with  leaves,  he  is  seldom 
observed.  His  gaudy  dress  needs  to  be  concealed 
by  enveloping  leaves  from  the  view  of  rapacious 
birds,  which  his  stationary  position  materially 
assists  in  bringing  about.  In  orchards  and  gardens 
adjoining  occupied  dwellings,  it  is  true  that  his 
behavior  is  marked  with  less  shyness  and  greater 
freedom.  The  less  danger  which  such  places 
afford,  from  the  less  frequent  visits  of  rapacious 
birds  thereto,  doubtless  furnishes  an  explanation  to 
the  fact.  Birds  of  prey  have  a  decided  aversion  to 
man,  and  hence  the  advantage  which  this  species 
derives  by  building  close  to  human  habitations. 
The  power  of  ventriloquism  which  is  the  peculiar 
property  of  the  male,  enables  him  to  please  his 
mate  with  sweet  music,  without  revealing  to  his 
enemies  his  precise  whereabouts. 

The  song  of  the  male  which  is  uttered  at 
irregular  intervals,  is  a  moderately  low  and  pensive 


l8o  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

ditty,  and  may  be  quite  accurately  represented  by 
the  syllables  chl-chl-cki-char-ee-char-ee-chi.  It  has 
been  likened  to  the  mellow  notes  of  the  Baltimore 
Oriole,  but  we  are  utterly  unable  even  to  trace 
the  most  distant  relationship.  In  the  mating 
season,  and  also  on  the  approach  of  danger,  both 
birds  utter  a  low  whispering  warble,  in  a  tone  of 
marked  sweetness  and  tenderness,  as  they  move 
through  the  branches  and  foliage  together. 

The  food  of  this  bird  consists  of  coleopterous, 
lepidopterous,  and  dipterous  insects,  with  their 
larvae.  In  July,  various  kinds  of  berries  are  eaten, 
and  constitute  an  important  part  of  its  diet.  In 
several  stomachs  which  we  have  examined,  have 
been  found  remains  of  Harpalus pensylvanicus, H. 
compar,  H.  carbonarius,  Ptinus  humeralis,  Platynus 
itipripcnnis,  Pangus  caliginosus,  Chrysomela  cceru-? 
lefpcnnis,  '  Cr atony  chits  cinercus  and  Lacknosterna 
hirticula  in  their  larval  forms,  earthworms,  ants, 
and  small  spiders.  Later  in  the  season  the  larvae' 
of  Gortyiia  zees,  Anisopteryx  vernata,  Eufitchia 
ribearia,  Harrisind  Amei'icana,  Eudryas  grata,  the 
dart  moth,  with  mature  forms  of  the  above,  besides 
Spilosoma  Virginica,  Lithosia  miniata,  Utetheisa 
bella,dind  many  of  the  Satyridce,  •  Lyccznidcz,  and 
Tortricida:. 

5  During  the  breeding-period  which  occurs  late 
in  May  or  the  beginning  of  June,  the  male  keeps : 
at  a  wary  distance,  and  his  less  suspicious  mate  is 
compelled  to  yield  the  protection  which  he  should 
rightfully  bestow.     When  her  nest  is  assailed  she 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA!  l8l 

hovers  about  the  head  of  the  intruder  evincing  the 
most  intense  anxiety  and  distress. 

Building  operations  are  begun  about  the  i5th 
of  May,  the  bulk  of  the  work  being  performed  by 
the  female.  The  nest  is  placed  upon  a  horizontal 
branch  of  the  tulip-poplar  or  a  species  of  Quercns 
on  the  outskirts  of  a  grove,  or  upon  an  apple-tree 
in  less  sequestered  situations.  It  takes  but  four 
days  to  construct  a  nest,  which  is  loosely  put 
together  and  scarcely  survives  the  season  for 
which  it  is  designed.  Exteriorly,  it  is  composed 
of  rude  sticks,  with  an  intermixture  of  weeds  and 
grasses;  and  is  lined  with  roots,  grass-stems,  and 
occasionally  the  inner  bark  of  Castanea  or  Quercus. 
After  the  completion  of  the  nest  and  the 
usual  complement  of  eggs  is  deposited,  one 
being  laid  a  day,  incubation  ensues.  This  duty 
devolves  wholly  upon  .  the  female.  She  is  also 
necessitated  to  provide  her  own  nourishment. 
The  time  spent  in  sitting  is  about  1 2  days. 

The  young  are  fed  by  the  female  principally. 
Their  food  consists  of  the  larvae  of  beetles  and 
lepidoptera,  with  mature  forms  of  the  same; 
besides,  spiders,  earthworms,  aphides,  and  diptera. 
In  about  two  weeks  the  young  leave  the  nest,  and 
in  another  week,  they  are  thrown  upon  their  own 
resources. 

So  susceptible  to  cold  is  this  species,  that  in 
unusually  chilly  weather,  many  have  been  known 
to  perish.  We  distinctly  recall  a  season  of  unusual 
cold  in  May,  which  succeeded  very  oppressive 


1 82  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

weather  in  April,  which  was  attended  with  unhappy 
consequences  to  the  species  under  consideration. 
Many  individuals  were  picked  up  which  were  so 
completely  overpowered  that  life  was  imperilled. 
It  departs  for  the  South  during  the  last  week  of 
September;  sometimes,  earlier,  when  the  season 
is  unusually  severe. 

The  eggs  vary  from  a  well-marked  shade  of 
greenish-blue,  to  a  dull  white.  The  spots  are 
reddish  or  rufous-brown,  and  more  or  less  con- 
fluent at  the  larger  end.  They  are  four  or  five  in 
number,  and  measure  about  .95  of  an  inch  in 
length,  and  .65  in  breadth. 


CHAPTER     IV. 
Family  Hirundinidae.     Swallows. 

The  Swallows  constitute  a  perfectly  natural 
group,  and  represent  among  Oscines,  the  fissir- 
ostral  type  of  structure.  Their  resemblance  to 
the  Cypselidce  and  Caprimulgida  is  one  of  analogy 
rather  than  affinity,  though  these  birds  were'for- 
merly  placed  in  the  artificial  "order"  Fissirostres. 
It  is  estimated  that  one  hundred  species  of 
Swallows  are  recorded,  many  of  which  are  pro- 
bably not  genuine.  They  are  universally  distri- 
buted, some  of  them  like  Hirundo,  being  more  or 
less  cosmopolitan;  each  of  the  grand  divisions  of 
the  .globe  possesses  its'  particular  subgenera;  all 
the  American  groups,  with  the  exception  of 
Hiritndo  and  Cotyle  being  peculiar  to  this  con- 
tinent. --,:.:> 

Formerly,  Swallows  bred  in  hollows  of  trees,  in 
banks  on  cliffs,  and  like  places,  which  is  the  custom 
with  many  yet;  but  the  majority  have  abandoned 
their  primitive  haunts  for  the  artificial  nesting 
places  provided  purposely,  or  otherwise,  by  man. 
Some  at  present  are  in  a  transition  state ;  for  ex- 
ample, the  Purple  Martin  which  still  clings  to  its 
old  habits  of  breeding  in  hollow  trees  in  our 
Western  States;  while  here  it  avails  itself  of  the 
boxes  which  are  provided  for  its  accommodation, 


184  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

Stronger  evidence  could  not  be  adduced  to  show 
the  modifying  influences  which  civilization  has 
brought  to  bear  upon  indigenous  birds. 

Hirundo  horreorwn,  Barton. 

No  one  of  all  our  North  American  species  is 
more  abundant  and  better  known  than  the  subject 
of  the  present  sketch.  From  its  first  appearance 
in  early  May,  till  its  departure  about  the  I5th  of 
September,  the  immense  good  which  it  accom- 
plishes should  prompt  us  to  accord  to  it  a 
generous  welcome,  and  bestow  upon  it  the  full  pro- 
tection of  the  laws.  The  myriads  of  insects  which 
it  destroys  during  its  temporary  stay,  should  com- 
mend it  to  public  favor. 

It  frequents  our  pastures  where  the  cattle  are 
grazing,  and  kindly  relieves  them  of  their  dip- 
terous tormentors,  even  alighting  upon  their  backs 
for  this  purpose;  it  puts  an  end  to  the  insects  that 
infest  our  fruits  and  vegetables,  and  indirectly  rids 
man  of  many  of  his  inveterate  insect- foes.  It  may 
be  justly  characterized  as  an  unmixed  good.  Not 
the  slightest  tinge  of  evil,  we  are  happy  to  say, 
exists  in  its  nature,  to  mar  the  happy  results  which 
flow  from  its  labors. 

The  solicitude  which  it  manifests  towards  its 
fellows  is  proverbial.  Who  has  not  descerned  its 
willingness  and  readiness  to  assist  a  comrade  in 
distress,  and  the  piteous  cries  of  appeal  which  it 
utters  when  danger  is  imminent!  These  estimable 
traits  are  too  well-known  to  require  any  portrayal 


OF   EASTERN   PENNSYLVANIA.  185 

at  our  hands.  The  love  which  the  male  cherishes 
for  his  partner  is  remarkable.  He  feeds  and 
caresses  her;  and  we  are  informed  by  a  reliable 
person,  that  he  occasionally  relieves  her  of  the 
irksome  duty  of  incubation. 

In  the  selection  of  a  nesting- place,  special  regard 
for  the  shelter  and  comfort  of  the  female  and  the 
young  is  of  primary  importance.  To  secure  these 
requirements,  a  barn,  porch,  or  wagon-house,  is 
usually  selected.  In  rural  districts,  what  are 
familiarly  known  as  overshoots,  with  which  some 
barns  are  specially  provided  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  cattle,  are  called  into  requisition.  Again, 
unoccupied  springhouses,  close  by  streams  of 
water  are  favorite  resorts.  The  above  places  are, 
doubtless,  selected  on  account  of  the  various  dip- 
terous insects  which  are  to  be  found  there.  Ap- 
petital  gratification  has  probably  dictated  the  pro- 
priety of  nidificating  where  a  ready  supply  of 
tood-stuffs  can  be  obtained,  with  but  little  waste 
time  and  expenditure  of  physical  strength. 

Nests  have  also  been  found  attached  to  the 
piers  of  bridges.  In  many  localities  there  seems 
to  be  a  decided  partiality  for  such  positions.  In  a 
rural  part  of  Germantown,  upon  the  east  bank  of 
a  small  tributary  of  the  Wissahickon  creek,  stands 
a  dilapidated  building  which  is  annually  resorted 
to  by  these  Swallows,  for  nidificating  purposes, 
At  this  time,"solitude  and  retirement  are  infinitely 
more  desirable  than  sociality.  Many  birds  which 
are  pre-eminently  gregarious  before  and  after 


1 86  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

breeding,  manifest  an  utter  repugnance  to  general 
society  at  this  time. 

Nesting  ordinarily  commences  during  the  last 
week  of  May,  sometimes  as  early  as  the  i5th,  and 
as  often  not  before  the  first  week  of  June.  The 
labor  is  performed  jointly  by  both  sexes,  and  is 
prosecuted  with  considerable  diligence  until  the 
nest  is  completed.  The  time  thus  spent  seldom 
exceeds  a  period  of  six  days. 

A  nest  by  our  side  which  was  built  under  an 
overshoot,  and  which  may  be  considered  a  typical 
structure,  is  composed  externally  of  ten  semi-ellip- 
tical series  of  mud  pellets,  slightly  overlapping 
each  other  in  the  manner  of  tiles,  and  intercalated 
with  the  culms  and  blades  of  fine  grasses.  Simi- 
lar grasses  in  small  quantity  serve  to  strengthen 
the  pellets,  and  thus  act  as  girders  to  bind  the 
elements  of  the  fabric  more  closely  together.  In- 
teriorly^ there  is  an  inner  layer  of  the  stems  of 
Phleum  pr&tense,  another  compactly  pressed,  and 
succeeded  by  a  softer  layer  of  the  leaves  oi.Holcus 
lanatns.  The  cavity  is  nearly  two  and  a  half  inches, 
longitudinally,  and  about  four,  transversly;  its 
depth  is  hardly  an  inch.  The  shallowness  is  com- 
pensated for  by  the  greater  length  in  the  transverse 
direction.  For  a  lining,  soft  feathers  take  the  place 
of  grasses. 

After  the  lapse  of  two  or  three  days,  oviposition 
commences,  and  continues  during  a  period  ranging 
from  four  to  six  days'  in  accordance  with  the  rate 
of  laying  which  is  one  per  diem.  Incubation  is 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  1 87 

not  entirely  performed  by  the  female  as  stated 
above ;  it  lasts  for  a  period  of  1 1  days.  The  male 
is  a  very  dutiful  husband  and  administers  most 
faithfully  ta  his  partner's  wants.  The  young  are 
objects  of  special  parental  regard.  Their  food 
consists  of  various  diptera,  aquatic  larvae,  and 
small  lepidoptera.  We  have  never  known  more 
than  one  brood  to  be  raised  in  a  season.  The  fact 
that  some  t  birds  are  later  breeding  than  others, 
has,  doubtless,  given  rise  to  the  impression  that  in 
some  sections  the  species  is  double-brooded.  The 
young  are  able  to  vacate  the  nest  in  about  14  clays 
after  breeding;  and  in  a  week  or  ten  days  more 
are  prepared  to  attend  to  their  own  wants. 

We  have  found  the  remains  of  the  following  in- 
sects in  the  stomachs  of  the  many  individuals  which 
we  have  examined:— Miisca  domestica,  Tabamis 
lineola,  Tabanus  cinchis,  Syrphus  obscurus,  Asihis 
sericeus,  Stomoxys  calcitrans,  Scatop/iaga  furcata, 
Culex  tceneorhynchus,  and  Tipula  ferruginea, 
besides  the  smaller  dipterous  forms  that  are  found 
skimming  over  the  surfaces  of  pools  and  ponds  of 
water;  Harpalus  compar,  Cr atony  chus  cinereus, 
Casnonia  pennsylvanica,  Platynus  cupripennis, 
Donacia  confluenta,  Cymindis  viridipennis,  among 
coleoptera;  Spiiosoma  Virginica,  S.  acr&a>  Lithosia 
miniata,  Utetheisa  bclla,  Penthina  pomonella,  Ani- 
sopteryx  vernata,  and  many  of  the  Lyccznidce,  Tor- 
tricidce,  and  Noctuidce. 

Its  song  especially  during  flight,  is  both  pleasing 
and  lively.     It  consists  of  a  succession  of  twitter- 


1 88  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

t 

ings  repeated  in  a  very  rapid  and  animated  manner. 
When  alighted,  the  song  is  slower  and  less  anima- 
ted, but  none  the  less  pleasing.  The  following  syl- 
lables give  a  tolerably  accurate  representation: — 
tivlt-ti-tl-tl.  Its  ordinary  call  is  simply  twit. 

Dr.  Brewer  affirms  in  "  North  American  Birds" 
that  "a  striking  peculiarity  of  these  nests  (Barn 
Swallows'),  is  frequently  an  extra  platform  built 
against  but  distinct  from  the  nest  itsejf;  designed 
as  a  roosting  place  for  the  parents;  used  by  one 
during  incubation  at  night  or  when  not  engaged 
in  procuring  food,  and  both  when  the  young  are 
big  enough  to  occupy  the  whole  nest."  We  have 
no  reason  to  doubt  the  above  facts,  coming  as 
they  do  from  so  eminent  authority.  The  existence 
of  such  an  appendage  may  be  a  noticeable  feature 
of  the  nest  in  certain  sections;  but  our  experience 
has  been  different.  When  a  nest  is  fastened  to  the 
horizontal  timber  of  a  building,  and  in  unexposed 
situations,  there  seems  to  be  no  necessity  for  such 
an  appurtenance;  but  in  the  absence  of  suitable 
protection  and  convenience,  it  may  serve  a  pur- 
posed 

The  eggs  are  white  with  a  roseate  tinge  in  un- 
blown specimens,  and  are  marked  with  reddish 
and  purplish-brown  spots  chiefly  at  the  larger  end. 
Their  mean  length  is  .77,  and  mean  breadth  .55  of 
an  inch, 

Tachydneta  tricolor,  Vieill. 
The  White-bellied  .Swallow,  unlike  the  species 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  189 

last  mentioned,  may  be  considered  the  least  abun- 
dant of  all  of  our  swallows  in  Eastern  Pennsylva- 
nia. It  reaches  this  latitude  early  in  May  a  little 
in  advance  of  the  Martin,  and  like  the  latter,  is 
known  to  avail  itself  of  a  box  for  a  nest;  and  from 
its  earlier  arrival,  frequently  lays  claims  to  boxes 
which  the  martins  by  virtue  of  priority  of  possession 
are  legally  entitled,  so  to  speak.  A  disturbance 
ensues,  and  the  latter  by  reason  of  inferior  strength 
are  forced  to  seek  quarters  .elsewhere.  Where 
they  have  been  induced  to  accept  the  conveniencesr 
of  man,  they  soon  enter  on  the  most  familiar  terms 
1  with  him,  and  for  the  many  little  kindnesses  and 
attentions  which  he  bestows;  reward  him  most 
gratefully  by  their  eminent  services  in  the  destruc- 
tion of  noxious  insects. 

Its  movements  are  exceediugly  active,  but  less 
so  than  the  barn-swallow's.  Like  the  latter  it  seizes 
much  of  its  food  on  the  wing;  but  its  foraging  is 
more  arboreal  and  terrestrial.  It  subsists  upon 
the  following  insects: — Culex  tceniorhynchus,AsilMs 
sericeuSy  Scatophaga  furcata,  Tabanus  lineola,  Syr- 
phus  obliquus,  S.  obscurus,  Anthrax  elongata, 
among  diptera;  Harpalus  compar,  Cymindis  viri- 
dipennis,  Chrysomela  cceruleipennis  among  coleop- 
tera;  and  A  crony  eta  oblinita,  Spilosoma  Virginica, 
Orgya  leucostigma,  Pieris  rapcz,  Colias  philodice, 
^enthina  pomonella&ftd.  many  of  the  Leuccenidce 
"ortricidce,  and  Noctuidce. 

In  Eastern    Massachusetts  this  species  breeds 
exclusively  in  martin  boxes;  and  in  the  western 


LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

t 

part  of  the  State  according  to  Mr.  Allen,  it  is  the 
least  abundant  of  the  swallows;  and  is  exceedingly 
careless  in  its  selection.  It  has  a  breeding  range 
from  the  38th  degree  to  high  northern  latitudes. 
Mr.  Richardson  found  it  breeding  in  trees  on  the 
banks  of  the  Mackenzies  river;  Dale  mentions  it 
in  Alaska,  but  it  has  not  been  observed  in  Green- 
land. In  this  latitude  it  is  chiefly  a  denizen  of 
woods,  and  builds  almost  exclusively  in  hollow 
trees. 

Its  nest  is  loosely  built  and  is  composed  of  soft 
leaves,  fine  meadow-grasses,  and^warmly  lined  with 
an  abundance  of  down  and  feathers.  We  have 
never  met  with  more  than  one  nest  in  a  season. 

Its  departure  for  the  West  Indies,  Central 
America,  and  Northern  South  America,  where  it 
winters,  takes  place  early  in  September. 

The  parents  like  those  of  the  species  last  de- 
scribed, are  strongly  attached  to.  each  other,  and 
manifest  the  utmost  devotion  to  their  offspring. 

The  eggs  are  a  pure  white,  with  a  delicate  pink- 
ish tinge  \vhen  unblown,  and  unspotted;  oblong- 
oval  in  shape,  and  more  pointed  at  one  extremity 
than  the  other.  They  measure  .8£  of  an  inch  in 
length  and  .54  in  breadth. 

Pctrochclidon  lunifrons,  B ai r d . 

The  Cliff  Swallow  has  been  but  occasionally 
observed  within  the  limits  of  Philadelphia,  but  in 
Northumberland  Co.,  to  the  westward,  it  is  nearly 
as  common  as  the  Barn  Swallow  is  with  us.  Its 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA. 

appearance  is  noticed  early  in  May.  It  seemingly 
delights  in  man's  society,  and  attaches  its  mud-built 
nest  to  the  eaves  of  barns  and  outhouses.  From 
its  first  advent  to  its  departure  in  the  latter  part 
of  September,  it  is  the  same  sociable  creature. 

Scores  of  birds  have  been  known  to  nidificate  in 
dilapidated  buildings,  constituting  well  established 
and  peaceful  settlements.  But  most  generally 
there  is  a  strong  aversion  to  such  settlements,  as 
evidenced  by  the  many  solitary  nests  which  we 
have  observed  in  comparatively  out-of-the-way 
situations.  This  species,  however,  carries  this 
feeling  of  sociability  to  the  utmost. 

The  most  perfect  harmony  prevails  in  each  set- 
tlement. In  a  colony  which  we  observed,  a  few 
years  since,  there  were  counted  at  least  twenty 
domiciles  arranged  in  a  row  underneath  the  pro- 
jecting eaves  of  a  barn;  and  what  was  truly  re- 
markable, there  was  not  discernible  during  the 
three  weeks  we  spent  in  the  neighborhood,  a  single 
exhibition  of  ill-nature  or  petulency. 

The  song  of  this  Swallow  which  has  been  com- 
pared to  "an  unmusical  squeak,"  rather  than  a 
twitter,  is  produced  with  a  geniality  of  expression 
which  abundantly  compensates  for  its  harshness. 
When  the  birds  in  their  hurry  would  jostle  each 
other,  the  utmost  good  feeling  prevailed  as  evi- 
denced by  the  same  constant  noise  which  they 
kept  up. 

The  Cliff  Swallow  claims  our  generous  indulg- 
ences. L;ke  its  near  relative,  the  Barn  Swallow, 


LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   BIRDS 

it  is  vastly  destructive  to  insects.  Building  close 
to  the  barn-yard,  it  meets  a  ready  supply  of  its 
favorite  articles  of  diet,  which  consists  of  the  larvae 
and  images  of  Musca  domestica,  mature  forms  of 
Tabanus  lineola,  T.  cinctus,  and  the  blood-sucking 
Stomoxys,  which  delight  in  such  places.  In  the 
adjoining  fields  it  destroys  vast  numbers  of  Pen- 
thina  pomonella,  Anisopteryx  vemata,  Eujltchia 
ribearia,  and  many  of  the  Noctuidce  and  Tortricida 
among  lepidoptera;  besides  the  young  of  (Edipoda 
sulphured  and  CE.  nebulosa,  for  which  it  affects  a 
peculiar  fondness. 

Nidification  commences  during  the  last  week 
of  May  or  the  beginning  of  v  June.  Both  birds 
assist  each  other  in  constructing  a  nest;  the  prin- 
cipal part  of  the  labor  depends  upon  the  male 
under  the  supervision  of  his  partner.  It  has  been 
affirmed  that  in  large  colonies  it  is  a  common 
occurrence  to  find  several  females  engaged  in 
incubation  upon  the  same  nest.  We  have  never 
observed  a  similar  circumstance,  but  do  not  doubt 
its  authenticity.  The  mutual  good-will  which 
prevails  in  a  colony  would  lead  us  to  suspect  the 
occasional  existence  of  such  a  state  of  affairs. 

The  nest  is  hemispherical  in  shape,  with  a  small 
opening  at  the  side  just  large  enough  to  admit 
the  passage  of  the  female.  The  retort-like  figure, 
characteristic  of  the  primitive  form  of  structure, 
has  never  been  observed  by  us.  The  exterior  of 
the  nest  is  composed  of  divers  kinds  of  earth,  pro- 
cured from  puddles  and  low  shallow  streams. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  193 

The  interior  is  chiefly  lined  with  feathers,  but, 
occasionally,  with  a  mixture  of  feathers  and  soft 
grasses,  especially  Poa  anmia.  It  is  probable  that 
the  saliva  of  the  birds  materially  aids  in  the  agglu- 
tination of  the  particles  of  mud.  The  fact  that  the 
nests  crumble  to  pieces  with  great  facility,  is  no 
argument  that  this  fluid  is  not  utilized.  They 
adhere  so  firmly  to  their  supporting  surfaces  as  to 
require  considerable  physical  effort  for  their  de- 
tachment. While  intact  they  will  endure  the 
peltings  of  winter.  The  force  requsite  to  separate 
them  from  the  surfaces  of  contact,  undoubtedly 
tends  to  diminish  the  force  of  adhesion  resident  in 
the  mud-particles,  and  thus  renders  the  structure 
exceedingly  fragile,  which  has  led  some  to  believe 
that  saliva  is  not  used.  The  small  twigs  which 
compose  the  nest  of  the  Chimney  Swift,  it  is  well- 
known,  are  held  in  situ  by  a  viscid  secretion 
elaborated  by  that  species.  Experience  has  taught 
us  that  this  secretion  looses  its  adhesive  property 
in  time,  even  when  the  nests  are  kept  in  either  moist 
or  dry  situations.  It  is  difficult  to  preserve  a  nest 
intact  fora  sixth-month.  This  is  readily  accounted 
for.  Clay  and  earth  of  any  kind  being  more 
porous  and  brittle  than  wood,  it  is  a  reasonable 
presumption  that  after  the  lapse  of  time  when  the 
saliva  has  lost  much  of  its  virtue,  that  it  will  yield 
with  great  readiness  to  natural  forces.  In  fine, 
the  saliva  would  mingle  with  the  moisture. of  the 
clay,  which  moisture  would  be  imparted  to  the 
clay,  even  in  the  dryest  places,  and  be  equally 

M 


194  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

distributed  among  its  particles;  and  the  latter, 
deprived  in  a  measure,  of  their  means  of  cohesion, 
by  desiccation,  would  crumble  to  pieces. 
A  nest  is  usually  six  days  in  building.  Oviposi- 
tion  succeeds  its  completion.  In  the  duties  of 
incubation  which  require  a  period  of  1 1  days,  the 
female  is  occasionally  relieved  by  the  male. 
While  she  is  thus  occupied  he  is  very  attentive, 
vigilant,  jealous,  and  affectionate.  A  stranger  is 
not  permitted  within  his  territory  without  en- 
countering the  most  unpleasant  reception;  the 
male  strength  of  the  whole  community  is  mustered 
to  wreak  instant  vengeance  upon  such  temerity. 
Should  a  human  being  attempt  any  familiarities, 
he  is  instantly  beset  by  numbers  infuriated  to  the 
highest  degree. 

Two  broods  are  generally  reared  in  a  season; 
one  appearing  early  in  June,  and  the  other  early 
in  August.  At  the  close  of  the  breeding-season 
the  birds  still  linger  in  their  accustomed  haunts, 
where  they  remain  until  the  time  of  their  southern 
departure. 

The  eggs  are  white  and  marked  with  reddish- 
brown  blotches,  which  are  chiefly  placed  about  the 
larger  end.  They  are  less  elongated  than  those 
of  the  Barn  Swallow,  and  measure  from  .86  to  .74 
of  an  inch  in  length  with  an  average  breadth  of  .60. 

Cotyle  riparia,  Boie. 

Unlike  the  subject  of  the  last  article,  the  Sand 
Martin  is  more  retired  in  its  habits,  but  none  the 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  195 

less  social  in  its  character.  It  is  less  abundant 
than  Hirundo  korreorum,  and  makes  its  appear- 
ance about  the  middle  of  April,  a  little  before  the 
latter. 

Its  nests  are  placed  in  excavations  in  the  banks 
along  streams,  in  cliffs  by  rile  sea-shore,  and  in  other 
suitable  localities.  In  Philadelphia  they  are  chiefly 
found  in  railroad  cuttings,  in  clusters  of  a  half- 
dozen  or  more.  Though  more  retired  than  many 
of  its  family-relatives,  this  species  cannot  be  said 
to  be  unusually  shy  and  timid.  It  still  retains 
much  of  its  primitive  manners. 

In  the  sites  which  ara  chosen  lor  nidification, 
no  little  forecast  is  manifested.  The  insects  which 
are  so  abundant  in  such  places,  yield  it  an  ample 
supply  of  food  with  but1  slight  entailment  of  physi- 
cal fatigue.  The  stagnant  water-pools  which  are 
so  common  along  railroads,  outside  the  sleepers, 
are  exceedingly  prolific  sources  of  insect-life. 

While  excavating  a  place  for  a  nest,  the  birds 
work  by  turns;  neither  bird  intermitting-  the 
labor  until  the  task  is  accomplished.  The  length 
of  time  requisite  to  complete  a  cavity,  depends 
much  upon  the  character  of  the  earth  to  be  re- 
moved. It  seldom  exceeds  four  days,  even  under 
the  most  unfavorable  circumstances.  The  re- 
quisite depth  being  attained,  a  circular  apartment 
is  constructed  and  lined  with  feathers. 

Oviposition  immediately  succeeds,  and  is  closely 
followed  by  incubation  which  continues  for  1 1 
days.  In  the  labor  of  sitting  we  are  inclined  to 


196  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

think  that  the  male  assists.  The  young  are  fed 
by  both  parents,  which  vie  with  each  other  in  en- 
dearing attentions.  Their  food  consists  of  mos- 
quitos,  small  lepidoptera,  and  coleoptera;  while 
their  parents  subsist  upon  larger  insects.  The 
following  list  embraces  the  bill  of  fare  of  the 
latter: — Stomoxys  calcitrans,  Tabanus  atratus,  T. 
lincola,  Asilus  sericeu s,  Tipula  ferruguinea,  Chryso- 
juela  cceruleipennis,  Donacia  metallica,  Spilosoma 
Virginica,  Anisopteryx  vernata,  Penthina  pomonella, 
and  many  of  the  Noctiiidt?,  Lycrrnidtf,  and  Tortri- 
cidce;  besides  spiders  and  aphides. 

Like  most  of  the  Hirundinidce,  the  male  is  ex- 
tremely sedulous  in  his  attentions  to  the  female. 
He  is  also  as  jealous  as  the  male  Petrochelidcm 
InnijTons,  and  manifests  his  aversion  to  interfer- 
ence by  repeated  vociferations  and  gesticulations. 
Both  birds  are  very  fond  of  their  young,  as  shown 
by  the  little  attentions  which  they  bestow  upon 
them,  and  by  the  reckless  bravery  which  they 
exhibit  in  protecting  them  from  danger.  The 
young  are  12  days  old  when  they  leave  the  nest; 
in  a  week  more  they  are  able  to  sustain  themselves. 

The  eggs  are  five  in  number,  pure  white,  with 
a  roseate  tinge  in  unblown  specimens,  oval  in 
shape,  and  pointed  at  the  smaller  end.  They 
measure  .71  of  an  inch  in  length,  and  .46  in 
breadth. 

Stelgidoptesyx  serripennis,  Baird. 
The  Rough-winged   Swallow  is  by  no  means 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  197 

abundant  in  our  latitude,  and  is  chiefly  a  denizen 
of  eminently  rural  districts,  where  it  breeds  in 
small  numbers  in  the  excavations  of  the  Bank 
Swallow,  but  more  generally  between  crevices  in 
walls  and  arches  of  bridges  over  running  water; 
in  some  instances,  less  than  a  foot  above  the  sur- 
face. It  arrives  about  the  2Oth  of.  April;  but  in 
very  backward  seasons,  as  late  as  the  5th  of  June. 
During  its  early  visit,  it  delights  in  the  retirement 
of  solitary  streams,  and  then  manifests  consider- 
able shyness.  Its  chief  concern  is  the  procure- 
ment of  food. 

Whilst  foraging  it  is  not  so  strictly  aerial  as  the 
Barn  Swallow,  but  has  been  observed  on  several 
occasions  to  glean  among  the  foliage  and  branches 
of  trees,  but  very  rarely  upon  the  ground.  Its  food 
consists  principally  of  dipterous  and  lepidopterous 
insects,  with  a  small  percentage  of  coleoptera. 
Remains  of  the  following  insects  have  been  found 
in  the  many  stomachs  which  we  have  examined: — 
Anthrax  elongata,  Tipula  ferruginea,  Culex 
t&niorhynchiis,  Tabanus  iineola,  Stomoxys  calcitrans, 
Syrphus  obliquus^  Musca  ccesar,  and  smaller  diptera 
which  inhabit  aqueous  situations;  common  May- 
fly and  other  small  neuropterous  beings,  and 
Spilosonia  Virginica,  S.  acr&a,  Orgya  leucostigma, 
Utetheisa  bella,  Colius  philodice,  the  smaller 
Argynni,  with  the  most  common  of  the  Lycanidce, 
Noctuidce,  and  Tortricidce. 

Its  flight  resembles  that  of  the  Bank  Swallow  in 
being  less  firm  and  sustained  than  that  of  Hirundo 
horreorum. 


198  LIFE-HISTORIES  OF   BIRDS 

This  species  is  devoid  of  a  song;  its  only  notes 
being  a  few  chirping  calls  which  are  easily  recog- 
nized. 

Nidification  takes  place  generally  about  the  1 5th 
of  May,  at  least  three  or  four  days  after  mating; 
and  in  cases  where  the  excavation  of  a  Bank 
Swallow  has  been  selected  for  the  site  of  a  nest, 
it  is  but  the  work  of  a  couple  of  days.  Where  the 
birds  are  compelled  tp  excavate  a  place  for  them- 
selves, they  select  a  cliff  composed  of  a  soft,  sandy 
soil,  which  prolongs  the  period  for  two  days  more. 
But  where  the  crevices  in  the  walls  of  a  bridge  are 
chosen,  for  nidificating  purposes,  the  structure 
being  necessarily  more  compact,  it  requires  the 
joint  labor  of  the  sexes  for  at  least  three  days.  The 
nest  like  that  of  the  Bank  Swallow  is  constructed 
of  leaves  and  grasses,  with  a  lining;  of  soft  feathers. 

In  1843,  in  tne  neighborhood  of  Carlisle,  Prof. 
Baird  met  a  number  of  nests  of  this  species,  built 
within  crevices  in  walls,  and  the  arches  of  bridges 
over  running  water;  in  some  instances  being  so 
close  to  the  edge  of  the  water,  as  to  suffer  material 
injuries  in  times  of  rain.  Again,  nests  have  been 
observed  in  out-of-the-way-places,  for  example, 
between  the  boards  of  a  building  in  which  was  a 
water-wheel,  where  the  female  had  to  pass  through 
a  nut-hole  to  reach  the  nest. 

Oviposition  immediately  follows  nest-completion, 
an  I  continues  for  six  days,  one  egg  being  de- 
posited daily.  Incubation  ensues  the  succeedingday 
and  as  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  determine  is 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  199 

performed  wholly  by  the  female,  the  male  provid- 
ing her  with  nourishment.  It  continues  for  a  period 
of  1 1  days. 

The  young  are  objects  of  special  regard  upon 
the  parental  part.  Both  birds  guard  them  with  a 
jealous  care.  Their  food  consists  of  the  diptera 
before  mentioned,  spiders,  and  such  larvae  as  the 
parent-birds  are  able  to  procure  from  their  sur- 
roundings. They  are  able  to  leave  the  nest  in  from 
12  to  13  days,  but  are  still  provided  for  by  the 
parents;  the  addition  of  a  week  to  this  period  pro- 
duces a  marked  difference  in  their  development, 
and  fits  them  for  self-maintenance. 

In  the  fall  these  birds  are  gregarious  especially 
in  the  daytime,  but  on  the  approach  of  night  the 
flocks  break  up  and  they  retire  to  their  resting- 
quarters  for  roosting-purposes.  Their  departure 
dates  from  the  2Oth  to  the  last  of  September. 

The  eggs  are  oblong  in  configuration,  pointed 
at  one  end,  and  of  a  pure  white  color.  The  average 
length  is  .75  of  an  inch  and  breadth  .54. 

Progne  pur  pure  a,  Boie. 

The  Purple  Martin  in  some  parts  of  Philadel- 
phia is  not  so  abundant  as  formerly.  We  remem- 
ber, when  a  boy,  in  our  neighborhood,  it  was  a  very 
common  visitant,  and  every  available  house  or 
box,  however  rude,  was  taken  possession  of,  on  its 
arrival  during  the  last  week  of  April.  This  con- 
dition of  affairs  continued  for  several  years ;  the 
birds  being  encouraged  to  build  by  the  inhabitants 


200  LtFE-ttlSTORitis  of  feikbs 

who  often  erected  very  costly  buildings  for  their 
accommodation.  At  last  the  Blue  Birds  came  upon 
the  scene  in  great  numbers,  and  being  possessed  of 
superior  courage,  and  being  more  pugnacious  and 
quarrelsome,  the  Martins  were  driven  away,  never 
to  return. 

Few  species  are  more  eminently  sociable  and 
confidential,  and  manifest  greater  pleasure  in  man's 
society,  where  suitable  building  conveniences  are 
provided,  then  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  In 
Bridgeton,  Cumberland  Co.,  N.  J.,  it  appears  in 
immense  numbers,  reminding  us  of  our  childhood 
days. 

Constant  association  with  man  for  many  years, 
has  worught  a  wonderful  change  in  its  character 
and  habits.  Except  in  special  cases,  nidification 
no  longer  takes  place  in  hollow  trees  in  secluded 
situations,  but  is  now  accomplished  within  our  gar- 
dens and  lawns.  In  the  selection  of  a  place  this  bird 
is  not  very  particular;  an  old  tin  can,  or  a  perforated 
gourd,  is  as  truely  acceptable  as  the  most  costly 
structure  which  affluence  can  affect.  When  there 
is  a  scarcity  of  boxes,  &c.,  it  does  not  hessitate  to 
dispute  the  right  of  another  species;  even  the  mis- 
chievous little  wren  often  finds  its  efforts  to  bar 
out  intruders  completely  foiled.  What  this  species 
cannot  accomplish  individually,  it  effects  by  com- 
bination ;  for  in  union  there  is  strength. 

Like  Sialia  sialis  it  has  a  strong  attachment  to 
the  scenes  of  past  associations,  and  frequents  the 
same  localities  year  after  year,  unless  driven  away. 


Oi<'  EASTERN   J?ENNsYLVANtA. 

Its  quarrels  with   others,  frequently  result   from 
their  pre-occupancy  of  accustomed  sites. 

The  great  good  which  the  Martins  accomplish 
should  commend  them  to  our  favor  and  esteem, 
and  should  be  an  inducement  for  us  to  extend  to 
them  our  warmest  sympathies  and  fullest  protec- 
tion. The  beetles  that  injure  our  fruits;  the 
aphides  that  sap  the  strength  of  our  useful  as  well 
as  ornamental  plants;  the  various  dipterous  in- 
sects as  Musca  domestica,  Tabanus  lineola,  Musca 
ccesar,  and  the  Ortalis  and  its  allies  whose  larvae 
infest  our  raspberries  and  other  fruits,  and  pro- 
duce the  galls  of  many  of  our  commonest  plants. 

Like  the  Cliff  and  Bank  Swallows,  this  species 
is  fond  of  society.  Where  several  apartments 
exist  in  a  house,  as  many  pairs  take  up  their 
quarters;  often  six  pairs  have  been  known  to 
occupy  the  same  dwelling.  The  most  perfect 
order  and  harmony  prevail  among  the  tenants; 
but  woe  to  the  feathered  stranger  that  approaches : 
for  the  combined  strength  of  the  male  portion  of 
the  entire  community  is  summoned,  to  wreak 
instant  vengeance  upon  him. 

The  males  are  strongly  attached  to  their  part- 
ners; and  faithful  and  ever  attentive  to  their 
wants.  We  are  disposed  to  believe  that  the 
species  arrives  already  paired,  as  we  have  never 
observed  the  least  indication  of  anything  that 
would  lead  to  a  different  belief.  When  a  male 
has  once  selected  a  partner,  we  know  no  instance 
where  she  has  been  abandoned,  while  living,  for 


2O2  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

another,  during  the  season  for  which  *  she  was 
espoused.  In  some  cases  this  alliance  is  dissolved 
at  the  close  of  the  breeding-season,  to  be  re- 
assumed  during  the  subsequent  spring;  in  others, 
the  separation  is,  doubtless,  permanent,  another 
taking  the  place  of  the  discarded  suitor;  again,  the 
union  is  life-long.  We  believe  that  this  relation- 
ship in  some  cases,  at  any  rate,  with  the  present 
species  is  life-long,  unless  this  important  business 
is  attended  to  at  the  time  of  setting  out  from  its 
southern  home. 

Nest-building  commences  about  the  i5th  of 
May,  and  is  the  joint  labor  of  the  sexes.  A  nest 
is  two  days  in  building.  Scraps  of  paper,  leaves, 
grasses,  feathers,  and  bits  of  strings,  are  utilized 
for  this  purpose.  The  whole  is  quite  loosely  ar- 
ranged. Oviposition  commences  the  day  after 
the  nest  is  completed,  and  lasts  from  four  to  five 
days;  one  egg  being  laid  per  diem.  Incubation 
commences  on  the  ensuing  day,  and  continues  for 
a  period  ranging  from  1 1  to  12  days,  according  to 
meteorlogical  vicissitudes,  and  the  assiduity  of  the 
female.  As  we  have  not  detected  the  male  en- 
gaged in  sitting,  we  presume  that  it  is  wholly  per- 
formed by  the  female.  While  the  latter  is  thus 
occupied,  he  is  very  attentive,  thoughtful,  and 
provident.  They  are  both  extremely  assiduous 
in  their  attentions  to  the  young,  and  feed  them 
upon  the  larvae  of  various  lepidoptera,  mosquitos, 
small  spiders,  and  mature  forms  of  Tabanus  line- 
ola,  Musca  domestica,  and  Ortalis  and  its  allies. 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  2O3 

In  about  1 2  days  from  the  time  of  hatching  the 
young  quit  the  nest,  but  still  continue  to  be  fed 
by  their  parents  for  a  week  more,  when  they  are 
prepared  to  provide  their  own  nourishment;  still 
continuing,  however,  to  reside  with  their  parents. 
Occasionally  two  broods  are  reared  annually. 
Whilst  the  parents  are  engaged  in  rearing  the 
second  brood,  the  first  is  scouring  the  country 
for  food;  but  returns  in  the  evening  to  the  place 
of  common  shelter,  when  suitable  accommodations 
exist.  In  August,  1874,  we  were  visiting  in 
Brigeton,  N.  J.,  and  had  the  privilege  of  studying 
very  minutely  the  history  of  this  species.  Close 
by  the  place  where  we  were  staying,  was  located 
a  house  of  considerable  capacity,  and  possessing 
a  dozen  apartments.  These  wrere  occupied  by  as 
many  pairs  of  birds  early  in  the  season.  Two 
broods  had  been  successfully  reared.  At  the  time 
to  which  we  refer,  all  the  young  had  attained  matur- 
ity, and  were  dwelling  with  their  parents.  Early  in 
the  morning,  the  almost  deafening'  clatter  that 
emanated  from  the  building,  told  that  its  inmates 
were  astir  and  prepared  to  commence  their  daily 
avocation.  The  departure  of  one  from  the  build- 
ing was  the  signal  for  the  rest  to  do  likewise; 
which  they  did  to  the  number  of  sixty  and 
upwards.  Instead  of  leaving  instanter,  they  kept 
circling  around  the  house  for  at  least  ten  minutes, 
chattering  away  at  a  fearful  rate;  and,  then,  as  if 
by  common  consent,  struck  oft  in  divers  directions, 
and  were  not  seen  again  until  sunset,-  when  they 


2O4  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

returned  to  renew  the  circling  movements  of  the 
morning  with  the  same  amount  of  noise,  when  one 
by  one  with  as  much  regularity  as  the  marching 
of  soldiers,  would  drop  into  the  building  until  the 
last  had  entered.  A  little  din  and  chattering  over 
the  day's  adventures,  and  all  was  quiet  again. 
The  presence  of  persons  upon  the  scene  did  not 
cause  the  circle  to  waver  in  the  least.  Being  very 
intent  upon  this  sort  of  amusement,  for  such  it 
seemed  to  be,  nothing  seemed  to  distract  attention 
or  cause  desistance  therefrom.  The  most  un- 
bounded confidence  in  man,  acquired  and  strength- 
ened by  the  peaceable  enjoyment  of  his  society 
for  many  years,  has  rendered  this  species  exceed- 
ingly tame  and  unsuspicious.  Few  species  mani- 
fest their  trustfulness  to  such  an  extent.  Their 
departure  for  warmer  countries  occurs  usually 
about  the  I5th  of  September. 

Their  eggs  are  oblong-oval,  being  pointed  at  one 
end,  and  of  an  unspotted,  creamy-white  color. 
They  measure  .93  of  an  inch  in  length,  and  .78  in 
breadth. 

Family  Ampelidae.     Chatterers. 

With  some  writers,  this  arbitrary  and  unnatural 
grouping  of  genera  which  agree  in  some,  while 
they  differ  in  other  particulars,  is  placed  in  Clama- 
tores,  next  to  the  Tyrannidcz.  Dr.  Coues  is  of  the 
opinion  that  this  family  should  be  dismembered. 
The  near  resemblance  of  the  Myiadestince  a  sub- 
family, to  the  Turdida,  as  shown  by  Prof.  Baird, 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  205 

suggests,  beyond  doubt,  the  dissociation  of  the 
other  two  subfamilies. 

Subfamily  Ampelinae.      Waxwings. 

This  subfamily  as  restricted,  includes  but  one 
genus  with  three  species ;  one  of  Asia  and  Japan, 
one  of  Europe  and  America,  and  one  indigenous 
to  this  country.  Being  songless,  they  are  in  marked 
contrast  with  the  Myiadestincz  and  Ptilogonydince. 
By  a  strange  misnomer,  these  birds  are  designated 
^chatterers"  which  are  in  fact  the  most  silent  of 
all  aves,  their  only  voice  being  a  wheezy  kind  of 
whistle.  The  head  is  crested,  and  the  wings  are 
provided  with  curious  horny  appendages  of  the 
color  of  red  sealing-wax,,  the  use  of  which  is 
unknown.  In  our  species  the  tail  is  tipped  with 
yellow;  the  plumage  very  smooth  and  of  a  name- 
less color.  The  young  are  minus  the  wing  orna- 
ments, and  have  a  streaked  plumage. 

Ampelis  cedrorum,  Scl. 

*  The  Cedar  Bird,  as  the  above  species  is  exclu- 
sively called  in  some  sections  of  the  country,  is 
tolerably  abundant  and  exceedingly  nomadic.  It 
changes  its  quarters  according  as  food  becomes 
plentiful  or  scarce.  Late  in  the  autumn  small 
flocks  may  be  observed  feeding  upon  the  berries 
of  Juniperus  Virginiana,  J.  communis,  Vaccinium 
stamineum,  and  Liquidambar  styraciflua.  In  the 
middle  of  winter  we  have  seen  it  subsisting  upon 
the  berries  of  J.  Virginiana,  J.  communis,  Rhus 


2O6  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

glabra,  Lonicera  periclyiiicniun,  in  sheltered  locali- 
ties, and  the  seeds  of  Panicum. 

At  all  seasons  except  the  breeding-season,  it  is 
pre-eminently  gregarious;  its  continuance  in  a 
place  being  necessarily  short.  It  is  exceedingly 
shy,  and  can  be  approached  only  with  much  diffi- 
culty; the  sportsman  when  desiring  a  shot  is 
necessitated  to  take  advantage  of  the  cover  of 
bushes. 

Thickets  of  evergreens,  particularly  of  the  red 
cedar,  are  noted  resorting  places,  on  account  of 
the  requisite  shelter  and  concealment  which  they 
secure.  When  changing  its  base  of  supplies,  its 
flight  is  always  lofty.  The  sight  of  birds  being 
keenly  developed,  a  lofty  flight  enables  them  to 
take  into  the  range  of  vision  broader  scopes  of 
country;  and  thus  secures  excellent  facilities  for 
food-detection.  This  a-priori  assumption  will, 
doubtless,  account  for  the  aforementioned  habit 
ascribed  to  this  species. 

Wfe  have  never  observed  its  presence  oftener 
than  once  in  the  same  locality,  during  the  cold 
weather.  Late  in  May,  when  our  cultivated  varie- 
ties of  Ccrasns  are  in  fruit,  it  returns  in  large 
flocks,  and  becomes  a  nuisance  to  the  farmer.  Its 
wanton  destruction  of  cherries  renders  it  exceed- 
ingly odious.  The  farmer's  ingenuity  is  taxed  to 
the  utmost  in  devising  means  to  check  its  devasta- 
tion, since  the  species  has  little  dread  of  the  gun,  and 
still  less  of  contrivances  in  the  guise  of  scarecrows. 
Its  appetite  for  the  juicy  cherry  is  so  perfectly 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA. 


207 


uncontrollable,  that  life  is  often    sacrificed  in  its 
gratification. 

Early  in  June  the  flocks  break  up  into  pairs, 
and  nidification  is  the  all-absorbing  thought.  Very 
few  remain  to  build  in  the  same  immediate  neigh- 
borhood; not  more  than  a  half-dozen  pairs  being 
seen  in  a  circle  of  three  miles.  They  have  now 
abandoned  their  roving  habits  and  the  greater 
part  of  their  shyness,  and  seek  the  society  of  man. 

Nidification  commences  right  after  mating.  For 
this  purpose  an  apple-tree  is  usually  selected;  the 
nest  being  placed  not  more  than  ten  feet  from  the 
ground.  We  have  never  known  the  species  to 
build  in  low  bushes.  Next  to  the  apple-tree  the 
cedar  is  preferred.  Their  nests  are  rather  bulky 
and  compactly  built.  In  "North  American  Birds," 
it  is  said  that  they  generally  build  a  strong  frame- 
work, exteriorly,  six  or  seven  inches  in  diameter, 
and  "  composed  of  twigs,  coarse  stems  of  vegeta- 
bles, and  grasses."  Within  is  placed  "a  compact, 
well-made  fabric  of  grasses,  grape-vine  bark,  and 
other  finer  substances,"  the  whole  being  lined 
"with  leaves  and  root-fibres." 

We  have  examined  many  nests  and  they  all  dif- 
fer very  materially  from  the  foregoing  description. 
The  nests  according  to  our  experience  are  far  from 
being  bulky.  They  are  firmly  built;  the  external 
framework  is  strong,  composed  of  light  materials, 
and  is  seldom  more  than  five  inches  in  diameter. 
It  is  built  of  a  few  small  twigs,  the  culms  of  grasses 
chiefly  Poa  annua  and  Phleum  prcetense,  fine  roots 


208  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

of  grasses,  slender  stalks  of  Ambrosia,  probably 
artemisice  folia,  cucurbitaceous  tendrils,  undevelop- 
ed leaves  of  Pyrus  mains,  exteriorly;  and  lined  with 
soft  flower-bearing  stalks  of  Panicum  capillare,  and. 
delicate  roots  of  grasses,  internally.  The  above  is 
a  description  of  a  typical  nest  in  this  latitude.  In 
a  single  nest  before  us,  a  marked  deviation  from 
the  normal  form  is  noticeable.  The  exterior  is 
composed  of  the  stems  of  Poa  annua,  Phleum  prcz- 
tense,  small  roots,  dried  leaves  of  Verbascum 
Thapsus,  young  green  leaves  of  Pyrus  malus  and 
others.  The  entire  framework  is  compactly  bound 
together  by  long  leaves  of  grasses,  broad  strips  of 
colored  rags  and  lint  of  the  same,  and  variously 
colored  strings.  The  rags  and  strips  constitute  a 
promenent  feature  of  the  structure.  The  interior 
is  lined  with  strings,  lint,  flower-bearing  stalks  of 
Panicum  capillare,  fine  roots  of  grasses,  and  ten- 
drils of  Cucurbita.  The  nest  is  four  and  a  half 
inches  in  diameter,  and  three  in  depth;  the  cavity 
being  three  inches  wide,  and  two  and  a  half  inches 
deep. 

This  last  described  nest  was  located  upon  a 
horizontal  branch  of  an  apple-tree  near  its  ex- 
tremity, and  at  a  distance  of  fifteen  paces  from  an 
occupied  dwelling.  A  pupil  of  ours  furnished  -the 
strings  and  rags  alluded  to.  When  these  articles 
were  first  proffered,  the  birds  were  not  slow  to  per- 
ceive the  advantages  which  might  accrue  from  their 
use.  Even  after  he  had  ceased  to  supply  the 
materials,  the  birds  would  fly  to  the  bush  upon 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  2OQ 

which  they  had  been  placed,  as  if  to  seek  further 
favors.  This  they  did  several  times.  In  view  of 
these  facts  the  strongest  arguments  would  be  re- 
quired to  convince  us  that  this  was  not  an  exercise 
of  reason  of  a  simple  order. 

Nest-building  usually  requires  a  period  of  six 
days,  and  is  the  joint  labor  of  the  sexes;  the  male 
is  chiefly  occupied  in  fetching  the  materials,  while 
the  duty  of  his  partner  is  the  adjustment  of  them 
to  their  proper  places;  when  disengaged  from 
such  services,  she  willingly  assists  her  mate. 

Oviposition  commences  on  the  day  following 
the  completion  of  the  nest,  and  continues  for  nVe 
days;  proceeding  at  the  rate  of  one  egg  per  day. 
Then  follows  the  next  day,  the  essential  labor  of 
incubation,  which,  as  far  as  we  have  been  able  to 
determine,  is  the  exclusive  duty  of  the  female,  for 
a  period  varying  from  13  to  14  days.  Whilst  his 
mate  is  thus  engaged,  the  male  acts  in  the  capacity 
of  purveyor.  When  not  thus  employed,  he  stations 
himself  close  by  the  nest  and  keeps  the  most 
vigilant  guard.  The  approach  of  enemies  is  sig- 
nalled by  a  low  note.  Unlike  many  other  species 
which  we  have  described,  he  lacks  the  courage  to 
defend  his  nest  and  partner;  but  slinks  silently 
away  and  becomes  a  passive  observer  of  what  fol- 
lows. The  female  taking  the  hint  follows  his  ex- 
ample. 

It  now  feeds  upon  what  berries  it  can  procure, 
but  more  exclusively  upon  diptera,  aphides  and 
the  larvae  of  various  species  of  lepidoptera.  The 

N 


210  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

following  insects  constitute  a  portion  of  its  bill 
of  fare: — Tabanus  lineola,  T.  cinctus,  Stomoxys 
calcitrans,  Musca  domestica,  M.  ccesar,  Culex  tce- 
niorhynchus,  Anthrax  clongata,  among  diptera; 
Aphis  malt,  A.  roscc,  Apis  mellifica,  Selandria 
rosce,  among  hymenoptera;  and  larvae  'of  C/icerodes 
transversata^  Angeronia  crocataria,  Ennomos  subsig- 
naria,  Zerene  catenaria,  Anisopteryx  vernata,  A. 
pometaria,  Lozotcenia  rosaceana,  Anchylopera  fra- 
garice,  and  mature  forms  of  Utetheisa  bella,  Algeria 
titpiliforme,  Limacodes  scapha,  and  Phisia  precatio- 
niS)  among  lepidoptera.  In  the  fall  it  is  less  in- 
sectivorous and  more  frugivorous;  subsisting 
upon  Juniper  us  Virginiana,  Vacciniumstamineuni, 
Lonicera  periclymemim  and  other  fruits. 

The  young  venture  from  the  nest  when  twelve 
days  old,  but  are  not  sufficiently  matured  until  a 
week  later,  for  self-maintenance.  They  do  not, 
however,  dissolve  connection  with  their  parents, 
but  wander  about  from  place  to  place  with  the 
latter,  subsisting  upon  small  lepidopterous  larvae, 
diptera,  and  the  smaller  coleoptera,  until  there  is 
a  scarcity  of  such  food.  On  the  approach  of  cold 
weather,  they  feed,  as  before  remarked,  upon 
various  kinds  of  berries.  The  flocks  at  first  are 
made  up  of  individuals  of  the  same  family.  But 
later,  by  the  continual  additions  of  small  families 
which  are  met  with  in  roaming  from  place  to 
place,  a  large  flock  is  the  ultimate  result. 

Besides  the  low  lisping  call  which  the  Cedar 
Bird  possesses,  it  has  a  song  which  is  uttered  in  a 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  211 

very  low  key,  so  as  to  be  almost  inaudible  at  a  dis- 
tance of  twenty  paces,  and  which  may  be  re- 
presented by  tze 2  produced  with  considerable 

uniformity  of  sound. 

The  eggs  are  slate-color,  with  a  tinge  of  olive, 
and  marked  with  blotches  of  dark  purplish-brown, 
with  penumbne  of  light  purple  surrounding  the 
darker  spots.  The  average  length  is  .86  of  an 
inch,  and  the  average  breadth  .65.  In  shape  they 
vary  from  oblong-oval  to  nearly  rounded  forms. 

Family  Vireonidae.    Vireos  and  Greenlets. 

This  family  which  was  formerly  united  with  the 
Laniidtz  which  it  resembles  in  the  structure  of  the 
bill,  has  structural  peculiarities  in  the  feet  by  which 
it  may  be  readily  discriminated.  The  Greenlets 
are  peculiar  to  America,  and  embrace  five  or  six 
genera  with  nearly  seventy  recorded  species,  one- 
sixth  of  them  being  probably  not  genuine.  The 
typical  genus  Vireo  embraces  thirty  species, 
specially  characteristic  of  N.  America,  seven  oc- 
curring in  the  West  Indies  and  Central  America, 
one  being  exclusively  West  Indian,  and  the  rest 
occupants  of  South  and  Central  America. 

Vireo  olivaceus,    Vieill.' 

The  Red-eyed  Vireo  is  one  of  the  most  abundant 
of  our  breeding  species,  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania. 
It  arrives  generally  during  the  last  week  of  April, 
but,  occasionally,  as  late  as  the  second  week  of 
May.  It  is  a  bold  and  fearless  creature,  entering 


212  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

the  principal  thoroughfares  of  towns  and  cities, 
where  its  agreeable  notes  may  be  heard  among 
the  foliage,  of  the  maple,  and  other  trees.  It  only 
occasionally  nidificates  in  such  places,  from  which 
we  infer  that  it  is  only  attracted  thither  by  the 
necessity  of  food-stuffs.  A  nest,  however,  came 
into  our  possession  lately  which  was  found  sus- 
pended from  a  maple  twig  in  a  densely-populated 
portion  of  our  city. 

In  this  neighborhood  it  nidificates  almost  entirely 
in  thick  woods.  Its  appropriate  food-stuffs  being 
more  abundant  in  those  places,  it  is  natural  to 
infer  that  it  would  resort  therefor  the  purposes  of 
nidincation.  There  are,  doubtless,  a  few  cases 
where  building  is  performed  close  by  occupied 
human  dwellings,  which  the  birds  in  their  migra- 
tions would  revisit  under  the  spur  of  past  associa- 
tions. If  nests  exist  in  this  latitude,  in  such  places 
we  are  not  aware  of  the  fact. 

In  the  pursuit  of  food  wjiich  is  chiefly  insects, 
this  species,  in  some  particulars,  resembles  the 
Kinglets,  and  in  others,  the  Flycatchers.  It  oc- 
cupies the  tallest  tree-tops  where  it  may  be  see'n 
running  along  the  branches,  and  mingling  among 
the  leaves,  for  whatever  of  insect-life  abounds. 
When  not  thus  engaged  we  have  seen  it  perched 
upon  a  branch  on  the  alert  for  insects  which  it 
would  seize  with  the  address  of  a  Muscicapa. 

Their  food  consists  of  various  arachnids,  cynips, 
diptera  in  their  larval  and  perfect  stages,  hymenop- 
tera,  lepidoptera,  and  small  beetles.  Among  dip- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  213 

tera  they  feed  upon  Citlex  tceniorhynchus,  Tipula 
ferruginea,  Asilus  sericeus,  Tabanus  lineola,  Musca 
domestica,  and  many  species  of  Anthomya,  Ortalis, 
and  Scatophaga.  The  larvae  of  Anisopteryx  ver- 
nata,  Zerene  catenaria,  Anisopteryx  pometaria^ 
Chcerodes  transversata,  Hybernia  tiliaria,  Asopia 
cos talis,  Halesidota  tessellarisy  Callimorpha  Lecontei, 
with  mature  forms  of  Agrotis  tessellata,  Plusia  pre- 
cationis,  and  others  among  lepidoptera.  Selandria 
roscB,  Apis  mellifica,  Megachile  centuncularis,  and 
many  of  the  Cynipsera  that  puncture  our  oaks, 
producing  the  galls  thereof,  among  hymenoptera; 
and  Chrysomela  formosa,  Cymindis  viridipennis, 
Haltica  chalybea,  and  other  beetles. 

From  our  knowledge  of  this  Vireo,  we  are  satis- 
fied that  it  prefers  retirement  and  loves  to  suspend 
its  domicile  from  the  pendant  branches  of  the 
beech,  maple,  and  sassafras.  It  builds  mainly  on 
high  grounds.  The  nests  are  never  placed  higher 
than  ten  feet  from  the  ground  and  occasionally  at 
a  less  elevation.  While  the  female  is  incubating 
she  is  readily  approached,  and  manifests,  seem- 
ingly, neither  timidity  nor  alarm.  We  have  known 
instances  where  she  would  permit  us  almost  to 
lay  our  hand  upon  her,  without  leaving  the  nest. 
She  would  gaze  intently  upon  us  for  a  few 
minutes,  as  if  to  learn  our  motives;  but  when  con- 
scious of  impending  danger  she  would  glide 
noiselessly  out,  and  perch  very  demurely  upon  a 
twig  close  by,  and  become  a  quiet  observer  of  our 
proceedings.  She  will  permit  a  person  to  pass  and 


214  LIFE-HISTORIES  OF  BIRDS 

repass  the  nest  within  two  feet,  without  manifesting 
much  concern. 

Nidification  is  begun  about  the  I2th  of  May, 
but,  occasionally,  as-  late  as  the  2Oth  of  the  same 
month.  This  labor  is  performed  by  both  birds. 
For  this  purpose,  a  forked  branch  is  ordinarily 
chosen,  to  which  a  beautiful  pensile  nest  is  attached. 
A  delicate  framework,  somewhat  purse-shaped,  is 
first  fastened  to  the  bifurcating  twig,  by  means  of 
spiders'  webs,  long  strips  of  the  inner  bark  of 
Quercus  alba,  tangled  masses  of  Hypnum  squar- 
rosum,  floss  of  Bombycidcz,  silk  of  plants,  and  the 
untwisted  silk  of  the  capsules  of  spiders.  This 
structure  is  composed  mainly  of  strips  of  bark, 
fragments  of  decayed  Pinus,  and  bits  of  Hypnum, 
which  are  held  in  sitit  by  spiders'  webs,  the  webs 
of  several  species  of  Epeira  being  utilized.  At 
this  stage  there  is  little  resemblance  to  the  perfect 
structure,  being  a  long  and  narrow  fabric.  In 
order  to  give  symmetry  and  form  thereto,  the 
birds  now  construct  an  inner  nest  of  fragments  of 
paper,  parchment-like  capsules  of  spiders,  bits  of 
papery  material  from  nests  of  Vespa  maculata, 
spiders'  webs,  inner  bark  of  Quercus  alba,  which 
are  adjusted  so  as  to  strengthen  the  outer  fabric. 
It  is  now  the  duty  of  the  female,  by  bodily  evolu- 
tions, to  reduce  the  whole  to  some  sort  of  sym- 
metry. Narrow  strips  of  the  inner  bark  of  Vitis 
cordifolia,  Quercus  alba,  and  spiders'  webs, 
variously  intermingled,  constitute  a  cozy  lining; 
occasionally,  a  profusion  of  white  and  black  horse- 


OF   EASTERN   PENNSYLVANIA.  215 

hairs  take  the  place  of  the  former.  In  another 
nest  which  we  have  before  us,  the  fabric,  exteriorly, 
is  composed  of  strips  of  rags  and  strings  curiously 
woven  together,  and  lined  with  spiders'  webs,  and 
the  inner  bark  of  the  wild  grape-vine.  The  period 
required  for  the  completion  of  a  nest  is  from  six 
to  seven  days. 

That  this  species  constructs  its  nest  in  the  man- 
ner described,  we  have  both  direct  and  indirect 
evidence;  direct,  as  furnished  by  our  own  personal 
observations;  and,  indirect,  in  the  possession  of 
several  incomplete  nests  which  show  the  primitive 
pensile  character,  without  the  internal  structure. 
These  incomplete  nests  were  given  to  us  by  per- 
sons who  had  little  knowledge  of  the  appearance 
which  a  perfect  nest  should  present. 

The  foregoing  description  will  be  found  to  vary 
in  many  particulars  from  the  one  given  in  "North 
American  Birds."  The  latter  leads  to  the  opinion 
that  the  entire  fabric  constitutes  one  structure, 
which  may  be  the  case  in  certain  localities.  It  is 
obvious  from  our.  experience,  that  there  is  an  outer 
structure  as  well  as  an  inner  one,  which  are 
ultimately  conjoined  by  interlacing  bark-fibres,  and 
the  floss  of  spiders'  cocoons.  Careful  examinations 
of  many  nests  have  convinced  us  that  saliva  is 
unnecessary  to  the  agglutination  of  their  constituent 
elements.  The  materials  are  so  completely  inter- 
laced and  held  together  by  spiders'  webs,  £c., 
that  the  requisite  compactness  is  secured  without 
the  use  of  saliva.  Add  to  this  fact  their  tendency 


2l6  LIFE-iiiSTORiES    OF 

to  become  more  adherent  and  impacted  on  ex- 
posure to  the  elements,  and  the  necessity  of  a 
fluid  can  be  dispensed  with. 

After  the  nest  is  finished,  the  female  commences 
on  the  ensuing  day,  the  duty  of  oviposition,  which 
proceeds  at  the  rate  of  a  deposit  of  one  egg  per 
diem,  until  her  complement  has  been  laid,  which 
requires  from  three  to  four  days.  Incubation 
commences  on  the  day  succeeding  the  last  deposit, 
and  requires  a  period  of  1 1  days.  In  this  duty 
we  have  known  the  male  to  perform  his  share  of 
the  labor.  While  the  one  is  thus  engaged,  the 
other  is  absent  from  the  immediate  neighborhood, 
either  designedly,  or  in  quest  of  food.  When  the 
nest  is  assailed,  there  are  manifestations  of  un 
easiness;  but  the  earnest  scolding  and  hoarse 
mewing  that  are  so  peculiar  to  its  near  cousin,  the 
Vireo  noveboracensis  of  Bonaparte,  are  traits  which 
it  has  not  developed. 

The  young  are  assiduously  fed  by  their  parents 
until  sufficiently  matured  to  look  after  their  own 
temporal  concerns.  During  their  state  of  helpless- 
ness, they  are  nourished  with  the  larvae  &{  Ani- 
sopteryx  vernata,  A.  pometaria,  Zerene  catenaria, 
Hybernia  tiliaria,  Ennomos  sitbsignaria,  Limacodes 
scapha,  and  mature  forms  of  Musca  domes  tica, 
Tabanus  lineola,  Tipula  ferruginea,  aphides,  and 
small  spiders.  In  about  1 2  days  they  leave  the 
nest,  and  in  a  week  longer  they  are  prepared  to 
earn  their  own  subsistence. 

There  is  but  one  brood  in  a  season,  although 


OF  EASTERN  PENNSYLVANIA.  217 

nests  have  been  taken  early  in  July  which  con- 
tained eggs,  and .  which  we  attributed  to  birds 
whose  early  designs  had  been  frustrated.  After 
the  cares  of  brood-raising  are  over,  both  old  and 
young,  the  latter,  in  imitation  of  their  parents, 
seek  the  tops  of  the  highest  trees  in  their  preda- 
tory excursions.  Occasionally,  they  descend  from 
such  lofty  eminences  to  glean  among  the  grasses, 
and,  as  if  disdaining  too  near  an  approach  to  the 
earth,  ultimately  perch  upon  some  tall  shrub  to 
feast  upon  its  berries,  as  those  of  Cornus  florida 
and  Viburnum  Lentago.  It  continues  in  its  favorite 
sylvan  retreats,  until  its  departure  for  the  South, 
during  the  last  of  September  or  the  beginning  of 
October. 

The  song  of  the  Red-eyed  Vireo  is  simple, 
musical,  and  pleasing.  It  is  uttered  in  short  em- 
phatic bars  in  the  intervals  of  feeding;  and  so 
unsuspicious  is  the  male  while  thus  occupied,  that 
he  heeds  not  the  presence  of  human  beings.  It 
may  be  heard  even  during  the  sultry  hours  of 
noon,  when  most  other  songsters  are  panting  in 
the  refreshing  shade  of  some  tall  tree.  From  its 
first  appearance  until  its  departure,  its  song  is 
continued  with  .  undiminished  ardor.  Its  notes 
being  but  moderately  loud,  are  uttered  with  a 
somewhat  plaintive  intonation,  and  may  be  repre- 
sented by  the  syllables  te-te-tweah-we-dh-tweah- 
twe&h-tiveet,  produced  rather  hurriedly. 

The  eggs  are  white,  and  marked  at  the  larger 
end  with  reddish-brown  spots  and  dots.  They 


2l8  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

measure  .82    of  an    inch    in    length,  and  .56   in 
breadth. 

Vireo  philadclphicus,  Baird. 

This  species  called  the  Philadelphia  Greenlet  is 
.certainly  very  rare,  and  has,  doubtless,  been  ob- 
served in  this  latitude  but  once,  when  it  was  dis- 
covered by  Cassin,  in  a  woods  near  Philadelphia, 
in  September,  1851,  whilst  stopping  from  its 
southern  migration.  There  are  but  three  speci- 
mens of  this  species  known. 

Vireo  gilvus,  Bo  nap. 

The  Warbling  Vireo  arrives  in  this  latitude 
about  the  1 5th  of  April.  It  is  tolerably  abundant, 
but  not  so  much  so  as  Vireo  olivaceus.  On  its 
arrival  it  frequents  villages  and  towns  almost  ex- 
clusively, and  chiefly  delights  in  the  tall  tree- tops 
around  our  houses,  to  pour  forth  its  song,  and  to 
suspend  from  their  highest  branches  its  pensile 
nest.  From  its  first  appearance  until  after  sum- 
mer has  gone,  during  the  livelong  day,  its  notes 
may  be  heard.  It  is  a  very  sweet  and  constant 
singer,  but  does  not  possess  a  voice  that  is  power- 
ful, but  one  that  is  melodious,  flute-like,  and 
tender.  Even  during  the  noontide  heat  its  song 
is  heard,  while  other  birds  are  silent.  From  early- 
dawn  until  nightfall  it  is  in  motion,  in  quest  of 
insects,  and  ever  and  anon  gives  expression  to  its 
jubilant  feelings  in  the  luxury  of  song.  Its  de- 
parture happens  late  in  September. 


OF  EASTERN   PENNSYLVANIA*  21$ 

It  probably  spends  its  winter-quarters  about 
Orizaba,  as  numbers  have  been  observed  there  at 
this  time,  by  Sumichrast;  and  most  likely  reaches 
this  latitude  by  entering  Texas,  and  following  the 
courses  of  the  Mississippi  and  Ohio  rivers. 

Like  Vireo  olivaceiis  in  habits,  and  equally  as 
expert,  it  does  immense  service  to  man,  in  the 
destruction  of  vast  numbers  of  injurious  insects, 
as  well  as  those  that  are  beneficial.  Its  food  is 
principally  of  a  dipterous  and  lepidopterous 
character,  and  consists  of  Musca  domestica,  Taba- 
nus  lineola,  T.  cinctus,  Tipula  ferruginea,  Cnlex 
tczniorhynchus,  and  others  among  the  two-winged 
flies  ;  and  Anisopteryx  vernata,  A.  pcmetaria,  Zc- 
renc  catenaria,  Ennomos  subsignaria,  E^lfitchia 
ribearia,  Angeronia.  crocataria,  Limacodes  scaphay 
among  lepidoptera;  besides,  aphides,  and  the  hy- 
menopterous  forms  of  Apis  mellifica,  Selandria 
rosce,  and  Megachile  centimcularis. 

Its  nest  is  usually  placed  in  the  vicinity  of  dwell- 
ings as  previously  remarked,  and  very  often  over 
frequented  streets.  We  have  known  cases  where 
secluded  localities  have  been  selected,  but  very 
rarely.  Nidification  commences  ordinarily  about 
the  1 5th  of  May.  The  nest  is  an  elaborately 
woven  basket-like  structure,  carefully,  neatly,  and 
closely  built,  and  suspended  from  a  forked  twig 
near  the  top  of  a  tree;  and,  occasionally,  at  the  ex- 
tremity of  an  upper  branch,  at  an  elevation  of 
thirty  feet  from  the  ground.  The  birds  mostly 
select  a  Maple  for  this  purpose.  The  nest  is  se- 


22O  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

cured  to  twigs  by  a  felting  of  flax-Jike  fibres,  plant- 
stems,  and  bark,,  which  are  carried  around  the 
outside  of  the  nest,  which  is  lined  with  flexible 
bark  of  deciduous  trees,  and  fine  stems  of  plants, 
with  horse-hair,  occasionally.  It  measures  two 
inches  in  height,  and  three  and  a  half  in  di- 
ameter in  the  centre,  and  narrows  towards  the 
supporting  surfaces.  The  time  spent  in  building 
is  about  8  days. 

Oviposition  follows  on  the  day  following  the 
completion  of  the  nest,  and  continues  for  five  days ; 
one  egg  being  deposited  daily.  Incubation  com- 
mences the  day  after  the  last  egg  is  laid,  and  lasts 
from  10  to  ii  days.  In  its  duties  the  female  is  as- 
sisted by  the  male.  His  affection  for  his  partner 
is  very  devoted,  and  is  shown  by  the  most  endear- 
ing attentions.  Unlike  the  Red-eyed  Vireo,  he  is 
jealous  of  strangers,  and  will  not  brook  their 
presence  with  impunity.  Whilst  his  mate  is  incu- 
bating, he  is  close  by,  ready  to  administer  to  her 
wants,  or  protect  her  when  danger  is  imminent 
The  young  are  able  to  leave  the  nest  in  about  12 
days,  and  in  a  week  more,  are  able  to  provide  for 
themselves.  They  are  fed  upon  the  larvae  of  the 
lepidoptera,  diptera,  and  aphides,  mentioned  above. 

The  eggs  are  a  beautiful  white,  and  sparingly 
marked  with  dark  and  light-brown  spots  at  the 
larger  end.  We  have  never  seen  any  unspotted 
specimens  as  Dr.  Brewer  alleges  to  have  met  with. 
Their  average  length  is  .74  of  an  inch  and  breadth 
'54- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  221 

Vireo  flavifrons,  Vieill. 

The  Yellow-throated  Vireo  is  less  abundant 
according  to  our  experience  than  the  one  last  de- 
scribed. It  makes  its  appearance  during  the  last 
of  April,  or  the  beginning  of  May,  and  confines  its 
foraging  to  the  tall  tree-tops  in  retired  places, 
generally  in  high  woods,  seldom  visiting  the  habi- 
tation of  man.  It  is  more  shy  than  even  the  Vireo 
solitarius.  Like  the  most  of  its  family  relations,  it 
is  characterized  by  remarkable  agility,  and  is  a 
busy  gleaner  among  the  leaves  for  insects,  which 
it  also  secures  after  the  fashion  of  the  Muscicapi- 
dce.  'Unlike  the  Kinglets  it  is  a  more  careful 
nsect-hunter,  thoroughly  searching  one  tree  before 
leaving  it  for  another. 

Its  food  consists  chiefly  of  diptera,  hymenoptera, 
and  the  larvae  and  imagos  of  the  smaller  lepidop- 
tera,  with  a  small  percentage  of  beetles  and  berries. 
It  feeds  upon  Musca  domestica,  Tabahus  lineola,  T. 
cinctus,  Cmex  tceniorhynchiis,  Syrphus  obliquus,  S. 
obscurus,  Anthrax  elongata,  among  diptera;  the 
larva*  and  mature  forms  of  Thecla  humuli,  Calli- 
mosp/ia  Lecontei,  Cimacodes  scapha,  Argynnis  bel- 
lona,  Plusia  precationis,  Choerodes  transversata,  En- 
nomos  subsignaria,  Zcrene  catenaria,  Anisopteryx 
vernata,  A.  pometaria,  Lozotcenia  rosaceana,  and 
other  lepidoptera ;  besides,  Aphis  mali,  the  hymen- 
opterous  forms  of  Apis  mellifica,  Megachile  cenlun- 
cularis,  Selandria  roscc,  with  many  Andrence  and 
Halicti,  and  a  small  number  of  the  phyllophagous 
coleoptera. 


222      ,  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   BIRDS 

Nidification  commences  from  the  i5th  to  the 
2Oth  of  May,  continues  for  a  period  varying  from 
six  to  seven  days,  and  is  the  joint  labor  of  the 
sexes.  The  nest  is  suspended  from  a  forked  twig, 
and  is  generally  occupied  by  the  female  before  its 
completion ;  the  external  improvements,  in  the 
shape  of  mosses  and  lichens,  being  adjusted  by 
the  male,  whilst  she  is  engaged  in  ovipotition. 
When  he  is  not  employed  in  beautifying  her  domi- 
cile, his  time  is  varied  by  capturing  winged  and 
creeping  insects,  which  like  a  faithful  and  devoted 
husband  he  carries  to  his  partner.  Occasionally, 
he  seeks  to  relieve  the  irksome  duties  by  the  vol- 
untary offering  of  a  song.  He  is  exceedingly 
jealous  and  will  not  permit  any  intrusion  upon  his 
premises  without  venturing  the  full  force  of  his: 
vengeance  upon  the  rash  intruder. 

Sometimes  the  nest  is  so  completely  enveloped 
with  mosses  and  lichens,  as  to  present  at  a  dis- 
tance, the  appearance  of  a  moss-grown  protu- 
berance, which  must  assuredly  be  protective  in  its 
tendency.  It  is  fastened  to  its  supporting  sur- 
faces by  a  combination  of  materials,  such  as 
spiders'  webs,  the  thread  of  cocoons,  ingeniously 
interwoven,  and  with  an  intermingling  of  mosses 
and  lichens  which  constitute  the  exterior  of  the 
nest,  and  which  are  held  together  and  strengthened 
by  strips  of  bark  of  the  grape-vine.  Internally, 
there  is  a  lining  of  fine  stems,  and  bark  of  grape- 
vine; occasionally  horse-hair.  The  nest  is  sym- 
metrical and  well-made,  measuring  four  inches  in 

4 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  223 

diameter  and  two  and  a  half  in  height,  and  is  placed 
from  ten  to  fifteen  feet  above  the  earth. 

The  young  are  objects  of  the  tenderest  solicitude 
upon  the  part  of  the  parents.  They  are  fed  upon 
the  dipterous  and  lepidopterous  insects  mentioned 
above.  Between  the  ages  of  1 1  and  1 2  days  they 
quit  the  nest,  but  are  still  fed  by  the  parents  for 
a  week  longer,  when  they  are  compelled  to  provide 
their  own  subsistence. 

This  species  is  chiefly  insectivorous,  and  subsists 
mostly  upon  insects,  with  the  exception  of  a  few 
berries  as  those  of  the  Juniperus  Virgiana,  until 
its  departure  for  Central  America,  and  the  United 
States  of  Columbia  in  South  America,  during  the 
last  week  of  September.  In  the  fall  its  food  con- 
sists of  the  larvae  of  Colias philodice,  Orgya  Leucos- 
tigma,  Clisiocampa  Americana,  and  many  of  the 
Phalcenidce  and  Uineidtf. 

The  eggs  are  white,  with  a  slightly-roseate  tinge 
when  fresh,  and  are  marked  with  blotches  of  red- 
dish-brown, more  or  less.  The  average  measure- 
ment is  .83  by  .64  inches. 

Vireo  solitarius,  V  i  e i  1 1 . 

The  Blue-headed  Vireo  arrives  usually  about 
the  1 5th  of  April,  and,  occasionally,  as  late  as  the 
beginning  of  May.  It  prefers  most  generally  soli- 
tary situations,  and  unlike  Vireo  olivaceus,  delights 
to  nidificate  on  the  confines  of  dense  forests,  and 
along  roads  where  travel  is  of  rare  occurrence,  Its 
favorite  trees  for  building-purposes  are  Juniperus 


224  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

Virginiana  and  Veer  rub  rum.  When  the  nest  is 
built  by  a  road-side,  the  red  cedar  is  generally 
choseivas  it  affords  the  requisite  shelter  and  con- 
cealment. On  the  borders  of  woods  the  red 
maple  is  its  choice.  In  the  latter  situation  con- 
siderable attention  is  paid  to  the  character  of  the 
country.  Comparatively  low  grounds  being 
chosen. with  an  eastern  and  western  exposure,  as 
being  more  secure  against  prevailing  storms  and 
winds. 

Although  affecting  a  partiality  for  retired  situa- 
tions, it  cannot  be  considered  a  shy  arid  timid 
species.  Like  many  others  have  done,  as  time 
advances,  it  will  become  more  familiar  with  man. 
It  is  but  three  years  ago  since  we  first  met  this 
species  in  this  part  of  the  country,  in  anything  like 
great  numbers.  Last  spring  it  was  nearly  as 
abundant  as  Vireo  olivaceus.  As  the  forests  dis- 
appear, and  new  conditions  are  imposed  upon  its 
environment,  a  change  of  nidification  will  be  the 
inevitable  result. 

From  observations  extending  over  three  years, 
we  are  satisfied  that  the  sexes  arrive  together. 
The  females  being  more  modest  and  retired  than 
their  mates,  and  comparatively  songless,  are  less 
observed.  In  less  than  a  fort-night  after  their 
arrival,  a  site  is  chosen  for  a  nest  which  is  a  matter 
of  some  moment.  After  a  couple  of  days  thus 
spent,  a  place  is  mutually  agreed  upon,  and  nidifi- 
cation  at  once  begun.  This  happens  about  the 
2Oth  of  May,  and  sometimes  as  late  as  the  loth 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  225 

of  June;  about  the  time  usually  when  Quercus 
palustris  has  doffed  its  ripened  catkins,  which  are 
principally  utilized  in  the  construction  of  its  nest. 
Each  nest  is  uniform  in  structure,  and  remarkably 
homogeneous  in  composition.  Where  the  tassels 
of  the  pin-oak  are  used,  nothing  else  is  to  be 
found.  Where  grass  is  the  favorite  article,  as  a 
species  of  Aira  in  exceptional  cases  is,  this  alone 
is  a  noticeable  feature. 

The  nest  is  gracefully  disposed  between  the 
bifurcating  branches  of  a  twig,  and  presents  a  neat 
and  cozy  appearance.  The  interior  is  compara- 
tively even,  and  strictly  symmetrically  cup- 
shaped.  The  exterior  with  its  roughened  aspect, 
produced  by  the  projecting  catkins,  is  a  rather 
imposing  sight. 

The  female  adjusts  the  materials  while  the  male 
is  busy  in  fetching  them.  On  the  completion  of 
the  structure,  which  is  the  work  of  three  days,  the 
female  on  the  succeeding  day,  begins  to  deposit 
at  the  rate  of  one  per  day,  her  complement  of 
eggs,  which  requires  from  three  to  four  days, 
according  to  the  number  laid.  On  the  ensuing 
day,  incubation  takes  place,  and  continues,  from 
10  to  ii  days,  and  is  the  sole  labor  of  the  female. 
While  thus  occupied,  the  male  like  a  dutiful  hus- 
band supplies  her  with  nourishment. 

Like  its  near  congeners,  the  female  of  this 
species  is  very  unsuspicious,  and  lacks  timidity. 
Persons  may  pass  and  repass  underneath  the  nest, 
which  is  mostly  placed  ten  feet  from  the  ground, 

o 


226  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF    BIRDS 

without  exciting  distrust  or  creating  alarm.  But 
when  an  effort  is  made  to  violate  this  confidence 
by  hostile  intentions,  the  female  glides  silently  out 
of  the  nest  and  does  not  exert  herself  in  the  least 
to  ward  off  any  attack;  but  the  male  when  not 
absent  on  foraging  business,  is  close  by  the  nest 
and  ready  by  his  valor  to  resent  an  injury  or  to  deter 
an  assault.  With  open  bill  and  vehement  scold- 
ing he  hazards  his  own  life;  resembling  in  this 
respect  both  Vireo  noveboracensis  and  V.  gilvus.. 

After  incubation,  both  parents  are  kept  con- 
stantly employed  in  furnishing  their  young  with 
suitable  nourishment.  Their  bill  of  fare  consists 
of  the  larvae  of  Anisopteryx  vernata,  A.  pometaria, 
Eufitchia  ribearia,  Zerenc  catenaria,  Choerodes 
transversata^  Hybernia  liliaris  and  other  geome- 
ters which  infest  our  trees;  Tabanus  lineola,  Musca 
domestica,  various  species  of  Ortalis  and  Anthomya^ 
the  common  Culex,  and  others.  Add  to  these 
the  various  species  of  Cynips  that  infest  our  oaks, 
and  small  lepidoptera,  both  diurnal  and  nocturnal, 
with  a  few  coleoptera,  and  we  have  a  bill  of  fare 
which  cannot  fail  to  please  the  most  fastidious 
bon  vivanl  among  avcs. 

When  the  young  are  able  to  provide  their  own 
food,  which  is  the  case  in  about .  a  week  after 
leaving  the 'nest,  (they  being  between  u  and  12 
days  of  age  at  the  time),  they  are  no  longer  depend- 
ent upon  their  parents.  But  a  single  brood  is 
reared  in  a  season. 

After   the   breeding-period   is   over,  the  male 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  227 

becomes  a  selfish  gourmand.  His  partner  is  now 
necessitated  to  look  after  her  own  salvation.  For 
the  purposes  of  subsistence  they  seek  the  solitude 
of  dense  woods,  where  they  glean  among  the 
leaves  and  branches  of  the  tallest  tree-tops;  some- 
times they  may  be  seen  perched  upon  a  rotten 
twig  on  the  alert  for  insects  which  they  seize 
with  nearly  the  adroitness  of  the  Miiscicapidce. 
Although  insects  now  contribute  the  principal 
part  of  their  diet,  yet  the  berries  of  Cormis  florida, 
C.  circinata,  Viburnum  Lentago,  and  V.  dentatum, 
are  eaten  with  a  gusto.  Except  at  breeding-time  we 
have  known  this  species  to  be  of  a  quiet  and 
reserved  disposition,  never  venturing  into  the  dis- 
putes of  other  species,  and  dwelling  in  peace  and 
harmony  with  its  own  kith  and  kin.  It  retires  for 
the  South  during  the  last  of  September,  or  the 
beginning  of  October.  • 

Before  closing  this  narrative,  a  few  thoughts  on 
its  style  of  architecture. may  not  be  amiss.  As  its 
present  habit  of  nidification  in  this  latitude  varies 
materially  from  what  has  been  recorded,  a  few 
hints  in  reference  thereto  may  be  highly  interest- 
ing and  instructive.  In  localities  much  visited  by 
the  Blue-headed  Vireo,  we  have  frequently  seen 
masses  of  catkins  of  the  pin-oak,  which  at  a  short 
distance  were  very  deceptive  in  appearance,  and 
bore  every  indication  of  being  genuine  nests. 
The  question  naturally  occurs,  may  not  some 
formerly  existing  individuals  possessed  of  a  due 
amount  of  sagacity  and  forethought,  have  dis- 


228  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

cerned  the  utility  which  a  nest  composed  of  such 
materials  would  secure  in  a  conservative  point  of 
view?  It  is  true  our  smaller  species  have  invet- 
erate foes  which  are  ever  on  the  qui  vive  to  gratify 
their  rapacity,  and  it  behooves  them  to  encircle 
themselves  with  such  guards  as  best  conduce  to 
their  preservation.  •  Birds  of  prey  having  been 
frequently  deceived  by  masses  of  the  kind,  which 
they  at  first  probably  regarded  as  nests,  would 
cease  to  regard  them  in  such  a  light  and  pass 
them  by.  It  therefore  follows  as  a  logical 
sequence,  that  the  utilization  of  such  substances 
in  the  manner  of  nests,  from  their  fancied  resem- 
blance to  loose  clusters  of  catkins,  are  best 
adapted  to  the  security  and  well-being  of  the 
species,  and  now  constitute  in  certain  localities  the 
typical  structure. 

Its  song  differs  from  that  of  any  other  Vireo. 
It  is  a  protracted  and  peculiar  ditty  which  is  heard 
at  irregular  intervals,  and  begins  with  an  animated 
warble,  which  gradually  increases  in  sound  until 
a  certain  pitch  is  attained,  when  it  breaks  down  to 
a  falsetto  note,  then  rises  again,  and  ultimately 
ceases. 

The  eggs  are  five  in  number,  oblong-oval,  and 
slightly  pointed  at  one  end;  the  ground-color  is  a 
transparent  white,  flesh-colored  in  unblown  speci- 
mens, and  chiefly  marked  with  reddish-brown 
spots  about  the  larger  end.  They  measure  .77 
inches  in  length  and  .52  in  breadth. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  2  2Q 

Vireo  noveboracensis,  Bonap. 

The  White-eyed  Vireo  is  neither  so  abundant 
nor  unsuspicious  as  Vireo  olivaceus.  It  arrives 
ordinarily  during  the  first  week  of  May,  and  at 
first  confines  its  foraging  to  high,  open  woodlands, 
where  among  branches,  both  high  and  low,  it 
gleans  a  ready  subsistence.  Later  in  the  season, 
during  the  second  week  after  its  arrival,  it  is  an 
occasional  denizen  of  cultivated  fields  and  gardens, 
where  its  presence  is  clearly  indicated  by  its  loud 
and  peculiar  song.  Although  more  suspicious 
than  the  Red-eyed  Vireo,  it  cannot  be  justly 
accused  of  undue  shyness. 

Besides  the  above  situations,  it  is  a  not  uncom- 
mon occupant  of  wild,  open  grounds  on  the 
borders  of  woods,  where  there  is  a  preponderance 
of  thickets  of  Smilax,  briers,  and  wild  vines,  in 
which  it  commonly  delights  to  suspend  its  beauti- 
ful pensile  nest. 

During  our  perambulations  \fe  have  often  di- 
verted ourselves  by  imitating  the  notes  of  this 
Vireo,  with  a  view  of  eliciting  a  song  so  as  to  deter- 
mine its  whereabouts,  in  order  to  witness  its  eccen- 
tric movements.  On  all  such  occasions  the  bird 
would  manifest  intense  wonderment,  and  gradually 
approach  the  place  whence  the  sound  emanated, 
and  when  apprised  of  its  source  by  the  discovery 
of  the  author,  as  quickly  retreat  to  the  adjoining 
bushes  as  it  came* 

This  Vireo  is  one  of  the  most  conspicuous  of 
our  songsters.  Its  songs  are  louder  and  more 


23O  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

earnest  than  those  of  any  of  our  Eastern  species, 
and  exhibit  most  astonishing  variations.  Early  in 
the  spring  it  begins  with  a  low  whistle,  which  it 
changes  to  a  very  quaint  and  peculiar  succession 
of  irregular  jiotes  as  the  season  advances;  some 
of  these  notes  are  softly  and  gently  uttered,  while 
others  are  produced  with  a  vehemence  and  shrill- 
ness truly  remarkable  for  so  small  a  species.  The 
following  syllables  will  express  with  considerable 
accuracy,  the  language"  of  its  song: — tehlck- 
tc  hi ck-a- tee-way -ah;  tchuka-wayoc  ;  t chick-way -ah - 
tchlcka-way-dc-tchick.  Sometimes  tchuka-way-oc- 
tchlck  pronounced  in  a  clear  mournful  manner, 
and  so  distinct  as  to  be  heard  at  a  great  distance. 
Again,  the  following  syllables  have  been  occa- 
sionally heard  early  in  the  mommg-.—fchuck-c/ttck 
mea-chuck-chuk-cheeeeee-tchick-lwnni. 

Like  the  subject  of  the  preceding  sketch,  this 
species  combines  in  a  remarkable  manner  the 
attributes  of  the  Paridc?  and  Muscicapidce.  Its 
agility  in  the  procurement  of  food  surpasses  that 
of  Vireo  olivaceiis.  Beetles  constitute  a  large 
portion  of  its  diet  during  its  early  stay;  but,  later, 
various  hymenopterous,  dipterous,  and  lepidop- 
terous  insects,  are  devoured  in  immense  numbers. 
The  following  insects  constitute  a  small  portion  of 
its  voluminous  bill  of  fare: — Donacia  confluenta, 
Chrysomela  cceruleipenms,  Harpalus  compar^mong 
coleoptera;  Tab  anus  lineola,  Syrphus  obscurus,  S. 
obliquus,  Culex  tceniorhynchus,  Tipula  ferruginea, 
Musca  domestica,  among  diptera;  Apis  mellifica, 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  231 

Selandria  rosce,  S.  vitis,  Formica  sanguined,  species 
&{  Halictus,  Andrena,  and  others;  larvse  of  Eufit- 
chia  ribearia,  Chcerodes  transversata,  Ennomos 
subsignaria,  Zerene  catenana,  Hybernia  tiliaria, 
Anisopteryx  vernata,  A.  pometaria,  Phisia  preca- 
tionis,  Thecla  humuli,  Limacodes  s  cap  ha,  and 
mature  forms  of  Argynnis  myrina,  Eudamus  tityrus, 
Ctenucha  Virginica,  Halesidota  tessellaris,  Utetheisa 
bella,  Anchylopera  fragaricz,  Clisiocampa  Ameri- 
cana, Spilosoma  Virginica,  and  others,  especially 
thernost  common  of  the  Noctuidce  and  Tortricidce  ; 
besides  Affcs  mali  and  other  aphides,  small  spiders 
&c.,  which  it  procures  from  the  foliar  surfaces,  and 
extracts  with  considerable  skill  from  blossoms 
while  hovering  with  fluttering  wings  before  them. 
Nidification  usually  commences  during  the  last 
week  of  May,  say  about  the  25th,  or  the  beginning 
of  June,  and  requires  a  period  varying  from  five 
to  six  days,  both  birds  laboring  with  marked 
diligence  till  the  completion  of  the  nest.  Ovipo- 
sition  follows  on  the  next  day,  and  continues 
during  four  days,  one  egg  being  deposited  daily. 
In  the  duties  of  incubation  which  then  succeed  and 
last  for  1 1  days,  the  female  is  solely  occupied. 
The  male  while  his  partner  is  thus  engaged,  occa- 
sionally administers  to  her  wants  by  bringing  her 
a  racy  tidbit.  When  sitting,  the  female  is  readily 
approached,  and  even  remains  in  her  nest  until  a 
hand  is  stretched  forward  to  seize  her,  when  she 
quietly  slips  out  and  alights  upon  a  branch  close 
by.  Like  the  female  of  olivaceus,  she  gazes  upon 


232  LIFE-HISTORIES   Op   BIRDS 

the  intruder  in  perfect  silence,  and  will  suffer  her 
nest  to  be  outraged  without,  seemingly,  manifest- 
ing any  anxiety.  The  male  has  never  been 
observed  by  us,  in  the  immediate  neighborhood  of 
the  nest,  from  which  we  infer,  that  he  keeps  at  a 
wary  distance.  But,  however,  he  is  a  very  atten- 
tive provider  for  the  wants  of  his  progeny.  In 
his  attentions  to  the  latter  he  is  unrivalled  by  his 
partner.  The  young  are  prepared  to  leave  the 
nest  in  about  twelve  days  after  hatching,  and  in  a 
week  more  are  fitted  to  attend  to  their  own  neces- 
sities. A  single  brood  is  raised  in  a  season. 

A  typical  nest  of  this  species  is  generally  sus- 
pended from  a  small  bush,  or  the  lowermost 
branch  of  a  tree,  seldom  at  a  greater  elevation 
than  twelve  feet  from  the  ground.  It  is  neatly 
and  compactly  woven,  and  is  as  beautiful  an  ex- 
ample of  the  pensile  style  of  nest,  the  orioles' 
excepted,  as  can  be  conceived.  Exteriorly,  it  is 
composed  of  leaves,  fragments  of  decayed  wood, 
inner  bark  of  deciduous  trees,  culms  of  grasses, 
vegetable  fibres,  held  together  by  impacted  masses 
of  divers  mosses,  which  also  attach  the  nest  to 
the  twigs  from  which  it  is  suspended.  Interiorly, 
there  is  a  lining  of  fine  grasses,  with  horse-hair, 
occasionally;  the  whole  being  smoothly  and  neatly 
adjusted. 

Tne  young  are  fed  with  the  larvae  of  the  Phalce- 
nidcz,  diptera,  spiders,  aphides,  and  ants  as  above 
mentioned. 

This  species  retires  to  its  winter  home  early  in 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA. 


233 


October.  After  the  breeding  season  is  over,  it  is 
again  the  same  solitary  being  as  characterized  it 
early  in  May. 

The  eggs  are  oblong-oval,  crystalline-white,  and 
marked  at  the  larger  end  with  dark-purplish 
and  reddish-brown  spots.  They  measure.  .78  of 
an  inch  in  length  and  .56  in  breadth. 

Family  Laniidae.  Shrikes. 

This  family  is  characterized  by  weak  passerine 
feet,  and  notched,  toothed  and  hooked  bill,  recalling 
that  of  a  bird  of  prey  in  size,  configuration  and 
strength.  Two  hundred  recorded  species,  referred 
to  many  genera,  and  divided  into  three  groups, 
belong  to  this  family.  The  following  group  only 
occurs  in  America. 

Subfamily  Laniinse.    True  Shrikes. 

.The  genus  Collurio  the  only  one  in  America,  is 
characterized  by  having  ten  primaries  in  the  wing, 
and  twelve  rectrices  in  the  tail,  both  being  quite 
rounded  and  nearly  equal  in  length ;  rictus  pro- 
vided with  stout  bristles,  and  circular  nostrils  more 
or  less  hidden  by  thick  tufts  of  antrorse  bristly 
feathers.  The  tarsi  differ  from  the  usual  oscine 
character,  by  being  scutellated  in  front  and  on  the 
exterior.  In  color  our  species  are  quite  similar, 
and  curiously  resemble  the  mocking-bird. 

They  are  bold  and  spirited  birds,  quarrelling 
among  themselves,  and  tyrannical  towards  weaker 
species.  They  are  carnivorous,  and  subsist  upon 


234  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

insects,  small  birds,  and  quadrupeds  which  they 
overpower;  their  most  remarkable  habit  is  the 
impaling  of  their  prey  upon  sharp  twigs,  and 
leaving  them  there.  Various  attempts  have  been 
made  to  account  for  this  curious  habit,  but  the 
most  of  them  are  very  unsatisfactory.  These 
birds  cannot  be  considered  as  strictly  migratory. 
The  sexes  are  nearly  alike.  There  are  two  well- 
determined  American  species,  the  habits  of  one  of 
which  we  shall  now  proceed  to  portray. 

Collurio  borealis,   Baird. 

The  Butcher  Bird  as  we  know  this  species  of 
shrike,  is  but  a  temporary  resident  in  Eastern 
Pennsylvania.  It  arrives  in  Philadelphia  during 
the  latter  part  of  October,  and  remains  with  us 
until  the  last  of  March  or  the  beginning  of  April, 
when  it  retires  to  more  northern  habitats  for 
breeding  purposes.  The  length  of  its  sojourn 
depends  very  materially  upon  climatic  conditions. 
It  is  never  a  very  abundant  species,  and  prefers  to 
lead  during  its  stay  a  solitary  life.  Early  in 
Autumn  it  seeks  the  retirement  of  woods  andlow 
valleys  which  are  places  of  resort  for  our  smaller 
winter  denizens  upon  which  it  mainly  subsists. 

When  the  ground  is  covered  with  snow,  and  the 
smaller  birds  ard  driven  by  necessity  to  seek  their 
own  fare  in  the  fields  and  yards  of  man,  this 
Shrike  becomes  less  shy  and  ventures  boldly  into 
such  places.  When  not  foraging  it  remains 
perched  upon  a  dead  twig  for  half  an  hour  at  a 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  235 

time,  taking  a  calm  survey  of  the  surrounding 
prospect,  unless  disturbed  by  intruders,  or  aroused 
from  its  apparent  listlessness  by  the  cravings  of 
appetite,  which  are  doubtless  sharpened  by  the 
accidental  appearance  of  a  feathered  stranger. 

When  thus  disturbed  it  utters  a  sharp  piercing 
shriek  and  sails  away  to  some  distance ;  but  re- 
turns when  the  source  of  danger  has  vanished,  and 
resumes  its  posture  as  though  nothing  had  oc- 
curred. 

The  female,  like  the  male,  also  passes  the 
autumnal  and  winter  months  in  solitude.  It  leads 
a  more  secluded  life,  however,  than  the  male, 
being  seldom  observed  close  to  human  habitations. 
She  delights  in  the  coverts  of  deep  and  gloomy 
forests  where  she  procures  her  nourishment 
under  greater  difficulties  than  the  male.  She 
lacks,  however,  the  spirit  and  daring  of  the  latter. 

This  species  possesses  remarkable  powers  of 
imitation.  It  imitates  the  cries  of  Melospiza  melo- 
dia  and  Spizella  nwnticola^  apparently  to  decoy 
them  within  its  power;  but,  ordinarily,  it  disdains 
to  practice  such  deception  and  prefers  to  await  its 
prey,  or  overtake  it  in  pursuit.  Its  movements 
recall  those  of  our  smaller  hawks.  When  in  quest 
of  game  it  seldom  misses  it,  but  pursues  it  with 
notable  pertinacity. 

Nuttall  ascribes  to  it  the  power  of  song.  He 
says  substantially  that  he  heard  it  as  late  as  No- 
vember loth,  uttering  a  low  soft  warble  which 
resembled  at  first  that  of  Melospiza  melodia,  and 


236  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

which  the  bird  instantly  changed  to  the  notes  of 
Galeoscoptes  carolinensis.  Having  frequently  en- 
countered it  from  early  November  until  its  depar- 
ture for  more  northern  quarters  in  April,  we  have 
never  heard  anything  which  would  impress  us 
with  the  idea  that  it  is  a  singer.  During  the  cold 
months  when  food  is  scarce,  and  the  chief  anxiety 
of  our  winter  denizens  is  its  procurement,  the 
pleasures  of  song  are,  doubtless,  forgotten.  In- 
deed, when  it  is  known  that  the  greater  part  of 
the  day  is  devoted  to  this  essential  business,  it  is 
not  at  all  surprising  that  such  enjoyment  should 
be  temporarily  forgeone ;  besides,  it  is  possible  that 
the  dreariness  of  winter  so  effectually  dampens 
the  ardor  of  feeling,  that  song  which  is  the  result 
of  overflowing  spirits,  having  no  stimulus  to 
arouse  it  into  being,  dies  a  temporary  death. 
The  spring,  with  its  balmy  breezes,  mild  climate, 
and  joyous  prospects,  sends  the  blood  tingling 
through  the  arteries,  re-animates  the  torpid 
feelings,  and  fills  the  brain  with  the  most  ex- 
hilarating impulses  which  manifest  themselves  in 
meaningless  antics  and  voluptuous  song.  The 
season  of  cold  being  considerably  advanced  on  its 
arrival,  and  everything  bearing  the  impress  of 
winter;  and  its  retirement  in  spring  being  unusually 
early,  it  is  obvious  that  its  surroundings  are  of 
such  a  character  as  not  to  awaken  joyous  impres- 
sions. Besides,  the  males  and  females  lead  soli- 
tary lives  during  their  stay,  and  depart  as  they 
come,  alone;  and  there  is  wanting  besides  that 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA. 


237 


ardor  of  feeling  between  the  sexes  which  exhibits 
itself  in  the  power  of  song. 

With  most  species  song  is  assumed  about  the 
mating-period  by  the  males,  in  order  to  attract 
the  females  on  their  arrival,  or  to  captivate  them 
by  the  power  of  its  charms.  Darwin  in  specula- 
ting upon  this  subject,  views  it  in  this  light.  The 
most  highly  favored  males  in  this  respect,  possess 
a  decided  advantage  over  their  less  favored 
brethren;  and,  consequently,  stand  the  better 
chance  to  be  selected  by  the  more  specially  favored 
of  the  opposite  sex.  Thus,  by  natural  selection, 
would  have  been  developed  from  a  few  rude 
inharmonious  sounds,  that  succession  of  agreeable 
notes  called  melody,  which  characterize,  in  an  emi- 
nent degree,  many  of  our  aves.  As  a  rule,  though 
subject  to  some  exceptions,  however,  beauty  of 
song  and  plainness  of  attire  are  co-existent.  On 
the  other  hand,  a  showy  garb  is  mostly  attended 
with  lack  of  song.  So  it  happens  that  either, 
separately,  or  the  two  in  conjunction,  are  the 
objects  of  special  attention  by  the  sexes. 

-While  song  is  mainly  designed  upon  the  part 
of  the  male  to  influence  the  female  in  the  matter 
of  choice,  it  is  plain  that  it  is  often  indulged  in  as 
a  thing  of  enjoyment.  Primitively,  and  at  present 
to  a  certain  degree,  it  is  awakened  by  amatory 
influences.  Coining  back  from  this  digression,  it 
is  probable  that  the  species  under  consideration 
in  its  northern  quarters  is  possessed  of  a  song, 
and  even  also  in  certain  localities  where  the  sur- 


238  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   BIRDS 

roundings  are  of  such  a  character  as  to  inspire 
feelings  which  would  naturally  tend  to  awaken  it. 

It  has  been  intimated  that  this  Shrike  is  exceed- 
ingly destructive  to  our  smaller  birds.  In  rapacity 
it  rivals  Falco  sparverius  of  Linnaeus.  Its  captures 
are  mostly  confined  to  Junco  hyemalis,  Spizella 
monticola,  Melospiza  melodia,  and,  occasionally,  to 
species  as  large  as  Passerella  iliaca.  Its  favorite 
food,  however,  during  the  winter  is  our  common 
Junco  hyemalis,  which  from  its  abundance  and 
apparent  lack  of  timidity,  requires  but  a  paltry 
effort  to  capture.  It  has  been  said  in  "North 
American  Birds' 'that  the  English  sparrow,  since 
its  introduction,  is  an  object  of  special  regard  in 
the  city  of  Boston,  Mass.  We  have  never  met 
with  any  illustrations  of  the  fact,  but  are  led  to  the 
opinion  that  their  remarkable  prevalence  and 
astonishing  tameness,  would  naturally  render 
them  objects  of  easy  capture.  An  examination  of 
the  stomachs  of  several,  birds,  showed  a  remark- 
able predominance  of  the  Black  Snow  Bird,  which 
was  clearly  identified  by  the  feathers  which  had 
been  profusely  swallowed.  Birds  are  not  exclu- 
sively eaten.  Coleoptera  and  orthoptera  in  great 
numbers  are  also  devoured.  Among  the  broken 
fragments  found  in  the  stomachs  of  several  indi- 
viduals associated  with  the  remains  of  Snow  Birds, 
were  identified  fragments  of  Lucanus  dama, 
Lac  kno  sterna  quercina,  L.  hirticula,CEdipoda  nebu- 
losa,  and  CE.  sulphured. 

But  a  single  instance  is  recorded  of  this  species 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  239 

breeding  within  the  United  States,  although  it  is 
possible  that  it  may  be  found  to  do  so  in  North- 
ern and  Eastern  Maine.  Mr.  Boardman  met  with 
its  nest  within  twelve  miles  of  St.  Stephen,  in  the 
British  province  of  New  Brunswick,  during  the 
last  of  April,  which  was  built  upon  a  low  spruce 
tree.  A  nest  was  discovered  by  R.  R.  Macfarlane, 
Esq.,  at  Anderson  River  Fort,  June  n,  1863, 
which  was  a  felted  structure  of  various  materials, 
elaborately  and  symmetrically  worked.  It  was 
seven  inches  in  diameter  and  three  and  a  half  in 
height,  with  a  cavity  four  and  a  half  inches  in 
diameter  and  two  in  depth.  The  base  is  com- 
posed of  twigs,  coarse  plants,  and  the  residue 
of  feathers  of  divers  birds,  down  of  Eider 
and  other  ducks,  fine  mosses  and  lichens,  slender 
stems  of  grasses,  &c.,  skilfully  and  artistically 
interwrought  and  strengthened  by  slender  twigs 
and  stems,  without  affecting  the  character  of  the 
entire  structure. 

The  eggs  are  six  in  number,  light  greenish 
ground- color,  and  marked  and  streaked  with 
obscure  purplish  and  rufous-brown.  They  measure 
i.io  inches  in  length,  and  .80  in  breadth. 


CHAPTER     V. 
Family  Fringillidse.     Finches,  &c. 

This  is  the  largest  North  American  family  and 
comprehends  nearly  one-eighth  of  all  our  birds. 
It  is  the  most  extensive  group  in  ornithology,  and 
represents  in  round  numbers  500  current  species 
and  IOD  genera  in  nearly  all  parts  of  the  world, 
except  Australia;  but  in  the  northern  hemisphere 
and  throughout  America,  it  attains  its  greatest 
development  Any  locality  of  the  United  States 
of  average  attractiveness,  has  its  avifauna  over  200 
species;  and,  at  a  distance  from  the  sea-coast 
unoccupied  by  marine  birds,  one-fourth  of  its 
species  are  '  Sylvicolida  and  Fringutid&  together, 
the  latter  in  excess. 

The  Fringillid<z  represent  more  particularly 
what  used  to  be  designated  "conirostral"  birds. 
Their  bill  approaches  nearest  to  the  ideal  cone, 
and  unites  great  strength  with  delicacy  of  touch. 

The  coiie  is  sometimes  nearly  expressed,  but 
often  turgid  and  conoidal;  convex  in  most  direc- 
tions and  so  contracted  as  to  become  concave  in 
some  of  its  outlines.  Nostrils  are  ordinarily  ex- 
posed, but  in  many  northern  genera  the  base  of 
the  bill  is  provided  with  a  ruff  and  two  tufts  of 
antrorse  feathers  which  more  or  less  cover  the 
opening;  cutting  edges  slightly  notched,  but 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  24! 

otherwise  plain;  a  few  inconspicuous  bristles  about 
rictus,  ordinarily  somewhat  lacking,  in  some,  highly 
developed.  The  wings  are  composed  of  nine 
developed  primaries,  variable  in  size;  the  tail  is 
variable  but  always  composed  of  twelve  rectrices; 
feet  scutellate  in  front  and  covered  on  side  with 
an  undivided  plate  which  produces  a  sharp  ridge 
posteriorly.  The  most  tangible  character  is  the 
angulation  of  the  commissure;  this  character  runs 
in  a  straight  line  or  with  slight  curvature  to  or 
near  the  base  of  the  bill,  and  then  bends  abruptly 
downward  at  varying"  angles.  The  cutting  edge  of 
the  upper  mandible  forms  a  re-entrance,  lower  a 
corresponding  salience.  This  character  separates 
the  group  pretty  sharply  from  other  Oscines,  except 
the  Icteriida.  Our  species  might  be  thrown  into 
several  groups,  but  the  distinctions  are  more  or 
less  arbitrary.  The  division  of  the  family  is  but 
a  conventional  matter  at  present. 

It  includes  all  sparrows  with  allied  finches, 
buntings,  linnets,  grosbeaks,  and  crossbills. 
There  are  71  well-determined  species  referrible 
to  34  genera  in  North  America.  They  are  mainly 
grariivorous,  but  occasionally  subsist  upon  buds 
of  trees,  berries,  and  insects.  The  species  which 
are  more  or  less  abundant  in  Eastern  Pennsyl- 
vania, we  shall  now  proceed  to  mention  in  the 
order  of  their  systematic  arrangement,  giving  a 
detailed  and  succinct  account  of  the  habits  of  each. 


242  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

Pinicola  emideator,  Cabanis. 

The  Pine  Grosbeak  is  but  an  occasional  visitant 
in  Pennsylvania,  and  then  only  during  the  winter; 
driven  by  necessity,  doubtless,  from  its  more 
northern  habitat  it  reaches  this  latitude  about  the 
beginning  of  December.  It  is  a  denizen  of  dense 
pine  forests  during  the  cold  weather,  which  it  for- 
sakes in  the  Spring  for  our  apple  and  pear 
.orchards,  where  it  commits  an  immense  amount 
of  mischief  by  the  destruction  of  the  buds.  It  is 
very  unsuspecting  and  familiar.  Like  many  other 
species  whose  history  we  have  delineated,  this  one 
is  a  solitary  feeder.  Though  chiefly  arboreal,  it 
occasionally  descends  to  the  ground  and  forages 
among  the  fallen  leaves  for  the  seeds  of  various 
species  of  Pinus  and  grasses,  and  the  beetle's 
which  seek  cover  under  such  warm  substances. 

The  following  articles  contribute  slightly  to  its 
maintenance  during  the  prevalence  of  winter: — 
The  seeds  of  the  various  species  of  Pinus,  as  Pinus 
strobus,  P.  inops,  P.  rigida,  Abies  nigra,  A.  cand- 
dcnsis,  Betid  a  c.rcclsa,  and  the  berries 'of  Juniperus 
Virginiana,  J.  communis,  Lonicera  periclymenum, 
and  others.  Besides  the  eggs,  pupae,  and  imagos 
of  Cr atony  chus  cinereus,  C.pertinax,  Pangus  caligi- 
nosus,  and  other  coleoptera.  Early  in  .the  spring 
the  buds  of  Acer  rubrum,  A.  saccharinum,  and  the 
tender  cones  of  the  various  species  of  Pimis,  with 
Harpalus  compar,  H.  pensylvauicus,  Bostruhus 
pint,  and  Chrysomela  c<zruleipennis. 


-  OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  243 

This  species  is  slightly  gregarious.  When  an 
individual  is  shot,  the  others  instead  of  flying  away, 
still  linger  about  on  the  lower  branches,  gazing 
with  a  look  of  wonder  and  curiosity  unmingled 
with  aught  of  conscious  danger. 

Mr.  Dall  says  that  it  is  extremely  common  near 
Nilato,  wherever  there  are  trees  throughout  Yukon 
Territory,  and  frequents  in  the  winter,  groves  of 
poplar  and  willow  near  open  places,  especially 
waterside,  and  irr  summer  seeks  sequestered 
localities  for  breeding-purposes. 

This  species  undoubtedly  nidificates  in  borean 
regions.  A  nest  was  found  by  Mr.  Boardman 
near  Calais,  about  the  authenticity  of  which  there 
can  be  little  doubt,  although  the  parent  was  unob- 
served. It  was  built  in  an  alder-bush  'in  a  humid 
situation,  at  an  elevation  of  nearly  four  feet  from 
tire  ground,  and  was  composed  wholly  of  coarse, 
green  mosses. 

The  eggs  were  two  in  number,  and  undistinguish- 
able  from  those  of  the  European  enucleator.  No 
certainly  identified  eggs  of  the  American  Pine  Gros- 
beak are  known  in  collections.  The  eggs  found 
by  Mr.  Wolley,  in  Iceland,  1858,  were  oblong- 
oval,  slate-colored  with  a  greenish  tinge,  and 
plashed  with  clouded  patches  of  brown  chietiy,  and 
slight  spots  principally  about  the  larger  end  of 
blackish-brown  and  dark-purplish.  They  mea- 
sured i. 02  inches  in  length,  and  .70  in  breadth. 
The  descriptions  of  nest  and  eggs  have  been 
substantially  taken  from  the  latest  work  on  "  North 
American  Birds." 


244  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

Carpodacus  purpureus^  Gray. 

The  Purple  Finely  is  very  abundant  in  Eastern 
Pennsylvania  during  the  autumnal  and  winter 
months.  It  has  been  observed  by  us  from  early 
October  until  the  middle  of  April,  but  never  during 
the  breeding-season,  from  which  fact  we  are  led 
to  infer  that  it  migrates.  It  may  possibly  breed 
among  the  Wissahickon  hills,  but  if  so,  at  that 
time  it  becomes  so  shy  and  retired,  doubtless, 
building  in  some  sequestered  nook  seldom  visited 
by  human  footsteps.  Many  and  diligent  explora- 
tions have  utterly  failed  to  reveal  to  us  the  slightest 
evidence  of  its  presence  during  this  period. 

On  its  return  early  in  the  autumn,. it  is  eminently 
gregarious;  but  in  January  and  February  when 
there  is  a  paucity  of  food-stuffs,  as  was  the  case  in 
the  winter  of  1875,  the  Hocks  dissolve  into  pairs 
which  forage  together.  These  pairs  in  all  cases 
where  an  opportunity  is  afforded  for  determina- 
tion, are  invariably  composed  of  the  sexes. 
When  mild  weather  returns  and  there  is  a 
growing  increase  in  articles  of  diet,  these  re-unite 
into  flocks  of  six  or  more.  In  this  manner  they 
retire. 

This  Finch  is  exceedingly  tame,  coming  about 
our  doors  and  mingling  with  the  Snow  Birds  and 
Sparrows  for  a  share  of  the  scraps  that  are  dis- 
carded by  man;  and  is  even  found  among  our 
common  fowls  receiving  its  part  of  the  cracked 
corn. 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA. 

In  their  movements  among  the  tree-branches  in 
quest  of  food,  they  resemble  the  Black  Cap  and 
Nuthatches  ;  sometimes  clinging  to  the  under  sur- 
face in  an  inverted  manner,  and  at  others,  running 
along  them  with  the  address  of  Sitta  carolinensis. 

In  early  autumn  it  enters  our  gardens  and  lawns 
and  subsists  upon  the  seeds  of  Raphanus  sativus, 
Amarantus  hybridus,  and  Chenopodium  album, 
together  with  those  of  many  of  the  smaller  grami- 
naceous plants.  Later,  when  the  snow  is  upon 
the  ground,  it  revisits  similar  situations  and  feeds 
upon  the  berries  of  Lonicera  sempervirens,  L.  piri- 
clymenum,  for  which  it  affects  a  decided  partiality. 
When  foraging  in  open  fields  or  on  the  borders  of 
thickets,  the  berries  of  yuniperus  Virginiana, 
y.  communis,  and  the  seeds  of  Liriodendron  tulipi- 
fera  which  are  persistent  through  the  winter 
months,  are  eagerly  devoured.  Though  chiefly  a 
vegetarian,  yet  the  ova,  pupae,  and  imagos  of  insects 
are  eaten.  The  remains  of  CEdipoda  sulphurea> 
CE.  nebulosa,  Diccelusdilatatus,  Pangiis  caliginosus, 
Cratonychus  cinereus,  and  C.  pertnax,  have  been 
found  in  its  stomach. 

When  Acer  mbrum  is  in  blossom  in  March, 
small  flocks  may  be  seen  in  the  lowlands  and 
about  our  houses,  feasting  upon  the  stamens  and 
pistils  which  they  esteem  great  luxuries,  if  the 
eagerness  with  which  they  are  devoured,  affords 
any  criterion.  It  is  highly  probable  that  the  small 
coleopterous  and  dipterous  insects  which  are  at- 
tracted to  the  blossoms  by  reason  of  their  honey- 
secretions,  are  some  inducement. 


246  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

During  its  stay  it  is  comparatively  songless.  In 
some  parts  of  the  country  it  is  said  to  resume  its 
song  before  its  departure.  Dr.  Coues  has  ob- 
served it  in  full  song  near  Washington,  in  May. 
In  this  particular  there  is  a  close  resemblance  in 
habit  to  SpizeUa  monticola,  which  for  weeks  pre- 
paratory to  leaving',  enlivens  its  surroundings  by 
the  gayety  of  its  ditty.  This  has  not  been  our  ex- 
perience. We  have  observed  the  species  in  small 
flocks  up  to  the  period  of  departure,  and  have 
never  heard  more  than  the  ordinary  daily  language. 
If  it  indulges  in  song,  which  we  have  no  reason  to 
doubt,  it  is  mainly  after  it  has  attained  its  breeding- 
grounds.  There  may,  however,  be  exceptional 
instances. 

The  flight  of  the  Purple  Finch  is  affirmed  by 
Audubon,  to  bear  some  resemblance  to  that  of 
Lcxia  chloris  of  Europe.  The  birds  fly  in  close 
flocks  with  an  undulating  movement,  and  alight 
simultaneously.  '  They  remain  but  a  brief  time 
and  then  as  if  suddenly  startled,  instantly  take  to 
flight.  But  they  soon  return  to  the  same  tree 
after  having  received  hope  and  courage,  A  re- 
newal of  the  fright  so  strongly  impresses  them, 
that  a  second  return  is  not  to  be  looked  for  until 
after  the  lapse  of  a  protracted  period  of  time. 

The  song  is  said  to  resemble  that  of  the  Canary, 
being  less  varied  and  powerful,  but  softer,  sweeter 
and  more  touching.  In  beauty  and  pathos  it 
rivals  that  of  the  Warbling  Yireo,  but  possesses 
greater  power.  When  engaged  in  singing,  the 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  247 

male  is  so  completely  absorbed  as  to  be  oblivious 
to  all  around  him.  He  has  a  peculiar  habit  of 
erecting  his  crest  and  expanding  his  throat.  On 
the  intrusion  of  a  feathered  stranger  he  ceases  his 
song,  and  in  a  fit  of  anger,  gives  chase  to  the  pre- 
sumptuous intruder. 

The  nest  of  this  species  is  placed  in  fir  spruces, 
or  cedars,  ordinarily,  but,  sometimes  high  up  in  an 
apple-tree,  at  an  elevation  in  the  generality  of 
cases,  of  about  five  feet  from  the  ground.  It  is 
built  upon  a  branch,  and  measures  two  and  a  half 
inches  in  height  and  three  and  a  half  inches  in 
breadth,  and  has  walls  less  than  an  inch  in  thickness. 
It  is  shallow  and  consists  of  a  framework  of 
vegetable  fibres,  grass-stems,  strips  of  bark,  and 
woody  fragments.  The  rim  is  constructed  of  her- 
baceous stems,  with  their  ends  projecting  into  a 
sort  of  low  palisade..  The  inner-structure  is  com- 
posed of  minute  fibres  closely  woven  together. 
Sometimes  the  nest  is  lined  with  down  and 
feathers  of  birds,  and  fur  of  small  animals. 

The  eggs  areoblong-oval,  considerably  acumi- 
nate at  one  end,  and  vary  in  size  and  configuration. 
They  are  a  pale  emerald-green,  and  spotted  with 
a  dark  brown  which  is  almost  black  in  some  species 
at  the  larger  ^end.  The  ground  color  is  brighter 
when  fresh,  but  assumes  a  lighter  shade  on  ex- 
posure to  light.  The  average  measurement  is  .86 
by  .68  of  an  inch. 

Curvirostra  leucoptera,  Brehm. 
The    White-winged    Crossbill    is  undoubtedly 


248  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF    BIRDS 

a  very  rare  visitor  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania; 
very  few  individuals  have  been  observed  by  us 
during  the  last  five  years.  Particular  species 
appear  only  in  special  localities  in  unusually  large 
numbers,  after  the  lapse  of  a  certain  number  of 
years.  In  Southern  New  Jersey,  however,  it  is 
encountered  in  flocks  of  a  score  or  more.  It 
restricts  itself  mostly  to  pine  barrens,  where  a 
plentiful  supply  of  its  favorite  food  abounds, 
seldom  visiting  human  habitations. 

Although  preferring  wooded  regions  for  the 
obvious  reason  that  supplies  are  more  easily  pro- 
cured in  such  situations,  yet  it  must  not  be  pre- 
sumed that  the  species  is  unnecessarily  shy.  The 
reverse  of  this  will  be  found  to  be  the.  case.  For 
lack  of  suspicion  it  is  only  surpassed  \>y  sEgiothus 
Unarms.  Like  the  latter  it  will  permit  the  sports- 
man to  approach  within  a  few  paces,  without  mani- 
festing the  slightest  distrust  or  timidity.  On 
account  of  the  existence  of  suitable  and  abundant 
food,  there  is  much  less  of  that  nomadic  life  which 
in  so  strikingly  characteristic  of  Ampelis  cedrorum, 
and  other  species.  Its  occupancy  of  a  region  being 
more  permanent  and  stable. 

In  winter  its  food  consists  mainly  of  the  seeds, 
of  Plnus  inops,  P.  rigida,  and  Abies  nigra.  The 
berries  of  Junipzrus  Virginiana,  J.  cdihmunis,  and 
Lonicera  periclymenum,  and  graminaceous  seeds 
are  occasionally  eaten.  These  with  the  ova,  pupae, 
and  images  of  Cratonychus  cinereus,  C.  pertinax, 
and  mature  forms  of  Harpalus  compar,  H.  pensyl- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  249 

tidnicus  and  Bos  trie  hus  pini,  constitute  the  larger 
half  of  its  winter  diet.  On  the  approach  of  spring 
when  insects  become  more  prevalent,  principally 
such  coleoptera  as  Pangus  caliginosus,  Cyniindis 
viridipennis,  are  eaten.  But  its  chief  delight  is  the 
tender  buds  of  the  maples,  and  soft  and  fleshy 
cones  of  various  species  of  Pinus. 

It  arrives  in  our  midst  most  generally  about  the 
1 5th  of  October,  and  retires  about  the  middle  of 
March.  From  our  experience  we  are  satisfied 
that  it  does  not  remain  with  us  to  breed. 

Its  flight  resembles  that  of  Chrysomitris  pinus, 
and  is  firm,  undulating,  and  well-sustained.  Its 
movements  along  the  branches  and  trunks  of 
trees  recall  those  of  the  little  Parus  atricapillus 
and  others.  Like  these  it  moves  along  the 
under  surface  of  a  branch  with  body  inverted,  as 
readily  as  in  the  upright  position. 

The  plaintive  cry  of  week  which  it  utters  while 
on  the  wing,  apprises  us  of  its  approach.  This 
sound  is  materially  different  from  the  full,  clear 
call-notes  of  its  nearest  ally  C.  Americana. 

It  is  probable  that  this  species  breeds  in  Eastern 
Maine,  as  it  is  a  permanent  resident  there.  A 
nest  discovered  in  1868,  by  Dr.  A.  Adams,  at 
Frederickton,  New  Brunswick,  as  described  by 
Dr.  Brewer,  is  "deeply  saucer-shaped,"  and  is 
composed  of  fibrous  pale-green  lichens,  covered  ex- 
teriorly with  spruce  twigs,  and  lined  with  a  tKin 
layer  of  fine  bark-shreds  and  coarse  hairs.  The 
rim  is  described  as  nearly  circular;  the  external 


250  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

diameter  nearly  four  inches,  and  the  cavity  two 
and  a  half  inches  wide,  with  a  depth  of  an  inch  and 
a  half. 

The  egg  is  said  by  the  same  eminent  authority 
as  being  slightly  elongate-oval,  with  the  small  end 
somewhat  obtuse,  and  spattered  with  black  and 
ashy-lilac  dots  upon  a  pale  blue  ground.  It 
measures  .86  by  .56  of  an  inch. 

Curvirostra  Americana,  Wils. 

The  Common  Crossbill  is  an  abundant  autumnal 
and  winter  visitant,  but  has  never  been  known 
to  breed  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania.  It  arrives 
late  in  October  or  early  in  November.  It 
is  quite  gregarious,  being  found  in  flocks  of  twen- 
ties or  thirties.  During  the  beginning  of  its  stay  it 
subsists  upon  the  berries  of  Juniperus  Virginiana, 
Lonicera  sempervirens ,  and  the  seeds  of  the  various 
species  of  Panicum  and  Aira  among  gramina- 
ceous plants,  besides  those  of  many  of  the  Aster 
and  Sohdago.  Among  insects,  CEdipoda  sulphurea, 
CE.  nebulosa,  the  North  Carolina  grasshopper, 
Scarites  subterraneus,  Diccelus  dUatatus,  Cratony- 
chiis  cinereus,  C.  pertinax,  &c.y  are  eagerly  de- 
voured. During  the  winter  it  feeds  almost  entirely 
upon  the  seeds  of  various  species  of  the  Coniferce, 
Pinus  inops,  Abies  nigra,  and  Pinus  strobus,  and 
also  Betula  excelsa* 

During  the  spring  it  subsists  upon  the  tender 
cones  of  Pinus  and  Abies,  and  the  blossoms  of 
Acer  mbriim,  A.  saccharinum,  besides  divers  dip- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  251 

terous  and  coleopterous  insects.  Among  these 
Tabanus  lineola,  T.  cinctus,  and  Musca  domestica, 
of  the  former,  and  Lac Jino sterna  quercina,  Corym- 
bites  sEthiops,  Diccelus  dilatatus,  &c.,  of  the  latter. 
Before  retireing  to  its  breeding-quarters  during 
the  latter  part  of  March  or  the  beginning  of  April, 
it  destroys  many  canker-worms  and  mature  forms 
of  the  various  species  of  Noctuidce  which  abound 
at  the  time. 

Within  the  pines  of  New  Jersey,  great  numbers 
winter.  They  are  always  accompanied  by  Chry- 
somitris  pinus  which  feed  at  the  expense  of  its 
more  favorite  and  more  highly  endowed  yet  dis- 
tant relative.  The  seeds  which  drop  from  the 
pine-cones  and  elude  the  skill  of  the  Crossbills, 
are  picked  up  by  the  Pine  Finch  which  is  waiting 
below. 

Fond  of  secluded  situations,  it  seldom  visits  the 
habitations  of  man,  unless  attracted  thither  by  the 
prospect  of  meeting  coniferous  trees.  Pine  forests 
for  the  conveniences  which  they  afford,  are  gen- 
erally chosen  for  occupancy.  Whilst  feeding  it  is 
readily  approached  without  evincing  the  slightest 
timidity. 

Its  flight  is  lofty,  graceful,  undulating,  and  much 
prolonged,  resembling  very  closly  that  of  Carpo- 
dacus  purpureiis  Its  movements  whilst  feeding 
are  imitative  in  many  particulars  of  those  of  the 
Black-capped  Titmouse.  It  may  be  frequenly  seen 
clinging  to  the  under  surface  of  a  cone,  busily- 
engaged  in  separating  its  parts  by  means  of  its 
curved  jaw  to  get  at  the  seeds  concealed  within. 


252  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

Its  presence  is  always  indicated  by  a  low,  soft 
tc hick- tc hick- tc hick,  repeated  at  irregular  intervals, 
but  differing  very  much  from  that  of  C.  leucoptera. 
It  has  a  song  which  it  is  probable  it  does  not  utter, 
until  it  has  reached  its  breeding-grounds.  During 
its  prolonged  stay,  we  have  never  heard  its  song; 
the  same  dull  monotonous  note  always  greeting 
our  ears.  Dr.  Brewer  describes  its  song  in  the 
spring  and  summer  as  "varied  and  pleasing,"  but 
not  powerful  nor  in  any  degree  remarkable. 

We  have  no  reason  to  believe  that  this  species 
breeds  in  our  midst,  much  less  in  any  part  of 
Pennsylvania,  although  Mr.  Audubon  inferred  that 
it  bred  in  pine  forests  in  this  state,  from  the  fact 
that  birds  had  been  seen  by  him  in  August.  This 
does  not  necessarily  follow,  as  their  breeding  takes 
place  so  early  as  to  render  it  possible  for  birds  to 
be  seen  in  midsummer  after  a  migration  from 
remote  localities.  Prof.  Baird  affirms,  however, 
that  he  has  seen  them  in  the  coal  regions  of  Schuyl- 
kill  Co.,  Pa.,  during  every  day  of  the  summer 
feeding  in  pairs. 

This  species  breeds  early  in  March,  a  nest  and 
eggs  having  been  obtained  then  by  Mr.  Charles  E. 
Paine,  in  East  Randolph,  Vt.  This  nest  was  built 
upon  a  leafless  elm-branch;  the  ground  was 
covered  with  snow,  and  the  weather  very  severe 
at  the  time.  The  birds  were  extremely  tame,  and 
refused  to  leave  their  eggs.  While  Mr.  Paine 
was  descending  a  tree  with  the  nest  in  his  hand, 
the  female  resumed  her  position  as  if  to  shelter 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  253 

the  eggs  from  the  cold.  The  above  is  substantially 
given  by  Dr.  Brewer  in  the  work  on  "  North 
American  Birds." 

The  eggs  are  beautifully  blotched  and  dotted 
with  purplish-brown  markings  upon  a  greenish- 
white  ground,  and  measure  .84  of  an  inch  in 
length  and  .52  in  width.  The  usual  complement  of 
eggs  seems  to  be  four. 

Unarms,  Caban. 


The  lesser  Red  Poll  is  a  rare  and  occasional 
visitant.  It  is  a  denizen  of  more  northern  climates, 
only  migrating  as  far  south  as  Philadeiphia,  during 
unusually  severe  weathe  r,  and  when  there  is  a 
paucity  of  food-stuffs  in  its  northern  habitats.  We 
are  told  that  it  is  chiefly  gregarious.  During  the 
few  times  that  we  have  observed  it,  in  early  April, 
it  has  always  been  alone.  Mr.  Wilson  says  that 
these  birds  were  very  abundant  in  Western  New 
York  in  his  time,  and  were  called  Snow  Birds; 
Mr.  Ord  in  a  subsequent  edition  of  Wilson,  states 
that  it  rarely  visits  Philadelphia,  but  observes  that 
during  the  winter  of  1813-14  a  flock  of  nearly  one 
hundred  were  seen  feeding  upon  Atriplex  hastata. 
Mr.  Nuttall  wrote  that  numbers  appeared  Nov.  i, 
1833,  in  Massachusetts,  which  were  so  tame  while 
intently  feeding  upon  the  seeds  of  the  birch,  that 
it  was  possible  to  strike  them  off  the  branches 
without  their  taking  to  wing.  He  says  further, 
that  they  were  attracted  to  the  pines  where  they 
busied  themselves  in  feeding  upon  the  seeds  which 


254  LIFE- HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

the  Crossbills  had  dislodged  from  their  lurking- 
places,  and  which  the  latter  had  failed  to  secure. 
Mr.  Verrill  says  it  is  met  with  in  Norway,  Me.,  in 
the  fall,  winter,  and  spring;  and  Mr.  Allen  claims 
for  it  an  irregularand  occasional  visitant  in  Spring- 
field. 

During  its  brief  stay  it  never  visits  our  yards 
and  gardens,  but  is  chiefly  a  frequenter  of  low 
marshy  grounds,  and  along  water-courses,  where, 
the  common  alder,  Alnus  serrulata  grows  luxu  - 
riantly;  and  also  in  low  humid  meadows  where 
there  is  a  rich  growth  of  Betula  nigra. 

In  its  movements  along  the  branches  of  trees 
and  shrubs,  and  in  the  suspensory  attitude  which 
it  frequently  assumes,  there  is  a  marked  resem- 
blance to  Pariis  atricapillus. 

Few  species  display  .such  a  lack  of  suspicion  as 
the  one  under  consideration.  When  disturbed 
by  human  footsteps,  the  coolest  indifference  is 
manifested,  as  evidenced  by  the  fearless  and  con- 
fident manner  in  which  it  passes  from  branch  to 
branch,  or  from  shrub  to  shrub.  When  intently 
busy  in  foraging,  we  have  been  able  to  approach 
within  a  foot  of  it  without  producing  the  slightest 
distrust;  and  when  perceived  it  would  only  gaze 
into  the  face  of  the  intruder  with  the  most  perfect 
innocence,  and  only  shift  its  position  when  the 
hand  was  opened  to  receive  it,  and  then  only  in 
the  most  unsuspecting  and  quiet  manner.  Unlike 
most  species,  even  frequent  attempts  to  capture  it 
did  not  lessen  apparently  its  confidence,  one  iota. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA. 


255 


In  feeding  it  never  visits  the  tall  tree-tops,  but 
rather  prefers  low  bushes  and  weeds.  In  the  cold 
season  it  feeds  upon  the  seeds  of  Pinus  strobus, 
Pinus  inops,  Abies  canadensis,  A.  nigra,  Betula 
cxcclsa,  Rhus  glabra,  and  those  of  various  grasses, 
asters,  and  solidagos.  In  early  spring  it  feasts 
largely  upon  the  catkins  of  Alnus  serrulala,  and 
Betida  nigra,  and  later,  just  before  it  takes  its 
departure  upon  the  tender  and  fleshy  cones  of  the 
Coniferte  and  the  buds  of  Acer  rubmm,  A.  saccha- 
rzmtm,  and  Pyrus  malus.  Among  insects,  the 
eggs  of  the  Aphidce  and  Coccidce  that  are  adherent 
to  the  branches  of  the  common  aider  and  other 
shrubs,  with  the  ova  and  pupa  of.  Cratonychus 
cinereus,  C.  pertinax,  and  other  beetles,  are 
esteemecl  racy  tidbits.  While  feeding  upon  the 
buds  of  alder  it  will  not  hesitate  to  seize  what- 
ever of  insect-life  should  pass  athwart  its  vision. 

Its  flight  is  graceful  and  undulating,  and  resem- 
bles that  of  Chrysomitris  pimis. 

During  its  stay  it  is  devoid  of  a  regular  song. 
The  only  note  which  it  utters  is  a  low  soft  call 
which  resembles  that  of  the  Goldfinch,  and  which  is 
produced  in  the  intervals  of  feeding  and  during  its 
passage  from  bush  to  bush.  Dall  says  its  only 
song  is  a  few  cheerful  twitterings  and  chirpings. 

According  to  Mr.  Dall  it  is  a  very  abundant 
summer  resident  at*  Nulata,  and  builds  in  bushes 
near  the  ground  a  nest  which  is  composed  of 
dry  grasses  and  mosses,  exteriorly,  and  is  lined 
with  hair  on  the  inside.  Nidification  commences 


256  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

about  the  i5th  of  May,  the  eggs  are  laid  June  ist, 
and  the  young  are  able  to  fly  near  the  end  of 
July.  At  St.  Michaels,  owing  to  the  lack  of  trees 
and  scarcity  of  bushes,  the  birds  nidificate  in 
grasses.  Their  fearless  and  familiar  manners^ 
bright  plumage,  and  elegant  nests,  are  sufficient 
to  make  them  general  favorites,  so  says  that  dis- 
tinguished writer.  Richardson  affirms  it  to  be  a 
permanent  resident  in  fur  countries  where  it  fre- 
quents the  banks  of  lakes  and  rivers,  to  glean 
among  the  reeds  that  grow  in  such  places.  In 
British  Columbia  it  is  very  rare,  and  occupies 
swampy  localities  where  alder  bushes  and  water 
plants  grow,,  and  may  be  seen  pecking  at  seed 
pods,  or  searching  for  insects  among  the  flowers. 

Holboll  speaks  of  it  as  irregularly  distributed 
over  Greenland,  building  near  the  shore  in  birches, 
willows,  or  alders.  At  the  end  of  August  it 
separates  in  small  flocks  and  feeds  upon  the  seed 
and  tops  of  lichens.  By  October  it  has  entirely 
disappeared.  The  eggs,  he  says,  are  five  in  num- 
ber, and  spotted  with  pure  brown  upon  a  bluish- 
white  back  ground. 

In  Europe  as  in  America,  this  species  nests  in 
low  bushes,  from  two  to  six  feet  from  the  ground. 
In  habits  and  appearance  it  seems  identical  with 
our  own.  Mr.  Yarrow,  an  eminent  English  orni- 
thologist, says  that  it  is  readily  domesticated  and 
can  be  made  to  breed  .in  confinement.  He  des- 
cribes the  nest  as  being  placed  within  willows  and 
alder  bushes,  and  as  constructed  of  dry  grssses 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  257 

and  mosses,  with  an  intermingling  of  willow  cat- 
kins which  also  form  a  cozy  lining  interiorly.  The 
young  are  produced  late  in  the  season  and  are 
seldom  able  to  fly  before  July  i.  The  parents 
are  remarkably  devoted  to  their  offspring.  Pen- 
nant mentions  a  case  where  the  female  was  so 
devoted  to  her  duty  that  she  refused  to  leave  her 
nest  and  had  to  be  taken  off  with  the  hand.  When 
feeding  upon  the  buds  of  the  birch  and  alder,  they 
are  so  intent  upon  their  business  that  they  are 
readily  taken  by  means  of  a  long  pole  smeared 
with  bird-lime. 

The  European  eggs  are  five  in  number,  pale 
bluish-green  and  marked  with  orange-brown, 
especially  about  the  larger  end.  They  measure  .65 
by  .50  of  an  inch.  American  species  are  rounded- 
oval  in  shape,  and  generally  dotted  with  ferrugi- 
nous upon  a  light  bluish-white  back-ground.  This 
color  is  somewhat  difficult  to  preserve  in  the  col- 
lection. They  measure  .65  of  an  inch  in  length 
and  .52  in  breadth. 

Chrysomitris  pinus,  Baird. 

The  Pine  Finch  is  a  very  common  winter  resi- 
dent in  Eastern  Pennsylvania.  It  arrives  from 
the  north  late  in  October  usually  about  the  2oth 
and  continues  in  our  midst  until  the  last  of  April, 
when  it  retires  whence  it  came.  During  the 
autumnal  months  it  is  gregarious  and  scours  the 
county  in  quest  of  food  in  flocks  of  twenties  and 
thirties;  but,  as  the  season  advances  and  winter 

••Q 


258  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

arrives  and  there  is  a  consequent  decrease  in 
food-stuffs,  these  flocks  dwindle  down  into  smaller 
ones,  and  finally  into  pairs,  each  pair  consisting  of  a 
male  and  a  female.  When  spring  opens  with  its 
mild  weather,  and  plenty  again  reigns,  the  small 
parties  re-unite  into  larger  ones,  and  hunt  in 
common.  In  this  manner  they  retire  to  their 
breeding-quarters. 

In  mid-winter  when  the  temperature  is  low  and 
the  ground  is  covered  with  snow,  driven  by  neces- 
sity, it  seeks  the  habitations  of  man,  where  it 
mingles  with  the  snow  birds  and  sparrows  for  its 
share  of  the  scraps  and  crumbs  which  have  been 
discarded  by  man.  At  this  time  it  is  exceedingly 
tame  and  enjoys  a  near  association  with  man; 
but  when  once  in  its  favorite  haunts,  the  woods, 
it  relapses  into  its  former  state  of  shyness.  When 
disturbed  now,  it  easily  takes  to  flight,  and  does 
not  return  to  the  same  locality  for  hours  after- 
wards. It  delights  most  particularly  in  pine 
forests,  where  the  dense  foliage  of  the  trees  affords 
its  rather  comfortable  shelter,  and  the  fissured 
bark  in  a  measure  panders  to  its  appetite. 

The  flight  of  this  species  is  lofty,  graceful,  and 
undulating.  Its  movements  resemble  those  of  the 
Carpodaci.  Whilst  feeding  we  are  reminded  of 
its  presence  and  whereabouts  by  a  sharp,  piercing 
swe-er,  repeated  at  irregular  intervals.  On  the 
wing  a  similar  note  is  heard,  which  is  uttered  at 
somewhat  regular  periods  until  the  birds  are  com- 
pletely out  of  sight.  According  to  Audubon  its? 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  259 

notes  are  sweet,  varied,  and  mellow,  slightly  re- 
sembling the  song  of  C.  tristris,  but  quite  distinct 
from  it. 

Its  food  consists  of  the  seeds  of  grasses  and 
weeds,  together  with  various  berries.  In  the 
autumn  after  its  arrival  it  subsists  upon  the  berries 
of  ymdperus  Virginiana,  J.  comnmnis,  Lonicera 
periclymenum ;  and,  later,  upon  the  seeds  of  Pinus 
strobus,  P.  mops,  Abies  nigra,  A.  canadensis,  Betula 
excelsa,  and  B.  nigra.  The  eggs  and  pupae  of 
Cratonyckus  cinereus,  C  pzrtinax.  and  the  eggs  of 
many  of  the  Aphidte  and  -Cocddtz.  Early  in  the 
spring  these  birds  subsist  upon  aphides,  small 
spiders,  and  the  larvae  of  Anisopieryx  vz'r/iaia,  A. 
pomztaria,  and  mature  forms  of  the  smaller  Noc- 
tuidce  and  Tincidce,  and  Formica  sanguinea.  The 
buds  of  the  maple,  apple,  and  cherry,  and  the  suc- 
culent cones  of  various  species  of  Pinus  are 
eagerly  devoured. 

This  species  does  riot  breed  in  our  midst. 
According  to  Dr.  Brewer,  early  in  May,  1859,  a 
nest  was  found  in  the  garden  of  Prof.  Benjamin 
Peirce  in  Cambridge,  Mass.,  by  Frederick  Ware, 
Esq.  The  base  of  this  structure  was  a  mass  of 
loose  materials,  lower  portions  of  the  sides  scarcely 
different,  with  the  upper  and  inner  parts  impactly 
and  neatly  felted  together.  Externally,  were 
noticed  twigs  of  Thuja,  grasses,  carices,  fine  roots, 
fine  vegetable  stalks,  ends  of  pine  twigs,  coarse 
hair,  and  scraps  of  wool.  Internally,  there  was  a 
close  lining  of  fine  roots  of  herbaceous  plants,  and 


26O  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

the  hair  of  small  animals.  The  nest  was  four 
inches  in  diameter,  and  three  in  height;  with  a 
depth  of  cavity  and  diameter  at  the  rim  of  about 
two  inches. 

The  eggs  are  four  in  number,  oblong-oval, 
light  green,  and  spotted  chiefly  about  the  larger 
extremity  with  light'ferruginous  markings.  They 
measure  .70  of  an  inch  in  length  and  .50  in  breadth. 

CJirysomitris  tristris,  Bonap. 

The  Goldfinch  is  moderately  abundant  in  East- 
ern Pennsylvania  during  the  dreary  winter  months, 
being  to  a  certain  extent  a  permanent  species:  It 
occurs  mostly  in  .small  flocks  of  a  half-dozen,  and 
frequently  in  pairs.  In  early  autumn  these  flocks 
are  rather  large,  and  also  early  in  April,  when 
there  is  an  increasing  development  of  food-stuffs. 

Throughout  the  winter  it  leads  a  nomadic  exist: 
ence,  in  consequence  of  the  scarcity  of  food.  It 
often  seeks  the  habitations  of  man  where  it  freely 
mingles  with  the  snow  birds  and  sparrows,  like 
the  subject  of  the  preceding  sketch,  and  derives  a 
subsistence  from  the  refuse  matter  of  the  kitchen. 
It  now  becomes  exceedingly  tame  and  approach- 
able. While  enjoying  our  hospitalities  it  does 
not  disdain  its  own  natural  food.  If  a  bush  ofLoni- 
cera  periclymenum  is  close  by  and  in  fruit,  it  does 
not  hesitate  to  enter  and  gorge  itself  to  satiety. 
For  %  this  fruit  it  affects  great  partiality.  Like 
Larpqdacus  piirpnrcus,  it  feasts  upon  the  seeds  of 
Raphanus  sativus,  Amarantus  hybmdus,  A.  a/bus, 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  261 

and  Chenopodium  album.  In  forests  the  seeds 
of  Abies  canadensis,  A.  nigra,  Betula  nigra,  and 
graminaceous  seeds,  form  a  considerable  part  of  its 
diet.  When  the  red  maples  are  in  blossoms  we 
have  often  discerned  small  flocks  subsisting  upon 
the  tender  stamens  and  pistils,  and  the  small 
insects  which  infest  them.  As  the  season  advances 
and  the  trees  come  into  bloom,  the  apple  and 
cherry  are  objects  of  special  attention.  It  is  a 
source  of  annoyance  to  the  gardener,  often  visiting 
his  broken  ground  for  the  tiny  beetles  and  earth- 
worms unearthed,  and  espying  the  freshly-sown 
salad  seed,  never  ceases,  unless  driven  away/^r 
force,  until  nearly  every  $eed  has  been  stolen  from 
its  hiding-place.  In  the  summer  and  autumn  both 
sexes  are  found  feeding  upon  the  seeds  of  Tarax- 
acum Dens-leonis,  Cirsium  discolor,  C.  pumilum,  C. 
arvense,  C.  altissinium,  Helianthus  tracheliifolius, 
h.  divaricatus,  H.  annmts,  H.  tuber osus,  the  culti- 
vated salad,  and  various  solidagos  and  asters. 

The  Salad  Bird  is  chiefly  a  granivorous  species ; 
although  having  a  preference  for  seeds,  yet  it 
destroys  numbers  of  small  insects  for  its  own 
appetital  gratification,  as  well  as  that  of  its  young. 
The  larvae  of  Anisopteryx  vernata,  A.  pometaria, 
Chcerodes  transversata,  Ennomos  subsignaria, 
Zerene  catenaria,  Hybernia  tiliaria,  and  mature 
forms  of  Limacodes  s  cap  ha,  Halesidota  tcsscllaris, 
Plusiaprecationis,  and  other  lepidopterous  species ; 
Musca  domestica,  Tabanus  lincola,  Stomoxys  calci- 
trans,  Anthentfa  clongata,  and  various  species 


262  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

of  Ciilex,  among  diptera;  Selandria  ros(e,S.zntis, 
S.  caryce,  S.  till  a,  Apis  mellijica,  Formica  sanguined, 
and  various  species  of  Cynips,  among  hymenoptera; 
besides  Aphis  roses,  A.  mali,  and  others. 

In  the  month  of  April  the  flocks  dissolve  into 
small  parties  preparatory  to  mating.  It  is  quite 
common  to  see  two  males  and  one  female  together; 
the  former  lavishing  the  most  endearing  attentions 
upon  the  latter,  and,  besides,  occasionally  regaling 
her  with  the  most  delicious  melodies.  Whimsical 
and  exceedingly  variable,  she  selects  one  suftor, 
and  almost  the  next  moment  discards  him  for  the 
other,  which  at  this  moment  is  perched  near  by 
pouring  out  his  love  in  the  most  charming  manner. 
This  condition  of  things  lasts  during  a  couple  of 
days  before  a  final  choice  is  made.  .  It  seems  to 
require  the  utmost  condescension,  as  well  as  the 
greatest  effort  for  the  successful  suitor,  to  retain 
his  hold  upon  her  affections,  for  she  is  likely  to 
waver  in  the  interval  of  time  which  elapses  before 
nidification  is  begun.  This  duty  so  completely 
engrosses  her  time  and  attention,  that  the  tendency 
to  flirtation,  so  to  speak,  has  not  time  to  manifest 
itself,  and  is  soon  abandoned. 

Subsequent  to  mating  and  just  before  nidifiea- 
tion,  the  successful  mate  and  his  partner  ramble 
together  in  quest  of  food ;  when  weary  of  this 
business,  they  may  be  seen  perched  upon  a  com- 
mon twig,  when  the  former  with  his  sole  energy 
pours  out  his  passion  in  the  most  charming  lan- 
guage; ever  and  anon  turning  toward  the  object 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  263 

of  his  love,  as  if  to  ascertain  whether  it  meets  her 
approval  or  not.  A  soft  low  note  which  may  be 
expressed  by  twe-yah,  is  her  sign  of  recognition. 
The  song  of  the  male  is  loud  and  clear  in  intona- 
tion, and  produced  with  the  varied  moderation  of 
Frtngilla  Canaria. 

The  flight  of  this  species  is  lofty  and  undulating, 
and  resembles  very  closely  that  of  C.  pinus.  A 
soft  twe  repeated  with  moderate  slowness,  and  at 
measured  intervals,  indicates  its  presence  when  in 
a  state  of  repose.  In  early  spring  it  seeks-  the 
tops  of  the  tallest  trees  in  very  dense  forests,  and 
being  gregarious,  the  individuals  of  a  flock  alight 
in  a  compact  body.  Later,  low  trees  and  bushes 
are  its  delight.  It  sometimes  condescends  to  feed 
upon  the  ground. 

Now,  as  when  the  ground  is  covered  with  snow, 
it  seeks  the  abodes  of  man.  To  our  gardens  and 
orchards  it  is  a  common  visitor  and  commends 
itself  to  our  favor  and  clemency,  by  its  want  of 
timidity,  gentle  demeanor,  and  agreeable  ditty.  It 
is  not  readily  intimidated  and  permits  the  nearest 
approach  without  manifesting  alarm. 

In  the  summer  it  is  fond  of  bathing  and  seeks 
the  low  gravelly  beds  of  brooks  for  that  purpose. 
Its  movements  upon  such  occasions  resemble  those 
of  the  Canary. 

When  confined  it  becomes  very  docile  and 
familiar,  and  under  proper  instruction  learns  to 
rival  the  Canary  in  the  compass  and  brilliancy  -of 
its  song.  A  friend  of  ours  possesed-a  male-bird 


264  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

which  he  reared  from  the  nest,  that  was  trained  to 
vary  and  modulate  its  song  in  time  with  the  move- 
ments of  the  index  finger,  increasing  and  decreasing 
the  volume  of  song  by  the  elevation  and  depression 
of  the  finger,  and  accelerating  and  retarding  the 
time  by  the  lateral  movements  of  the  same. 

In  Eastern  Pennsylvania,  according  to  our  ex- 
perience, but  a  single  brood  is  raised  in  a 
season.  The  time  of  nidification  is  somewhat  ir- 
regular, commencing  sometimes  as  early  as  the 
1 5th  of  May,  but  generally  from  the  loth  to  the 
1 5th  of  June.  Nests  have  been  taken  with  eggs 
as  late  as  the  i2th  of  July,  and  occasionally  with 
young  during  the  last  week  of  August.  These 
delays  were  doubtless,  due  to  the  fact  that  the 
authors  of  such  nests  had  been  frustrated  in  their 
early  endeavors.  The  destruction  of  a  nest  whilst 
incubation  is  progressing,  will  generally  lead  to 
the  renewal  of  the  attempt  in  some  other  place; 
the  desire  for  offspring  triumphing  over  the 
most  insuperable  difficulties.  We  have  known 
instances  where  the  same  pair  had  been  baffled 
four  times  in  succession,  and  as  often  renewed 
the  attempt.  Again,  where  adverse  circumstances 
have  operated  against  the  fulfilment  of  this 
important  business,  the  birds  have  been  com- 
pelled to  abandon  their  labors  unwillingly,  before 
the  consummation  of  the  task. 

Perhaps  an  unfortunate  female  or  male  has 
been  doomed  to  lead  the  life  of  a  celibate,  by  reason 
of  the  scarctiy  of  individuals  of  the  opposite  sex. 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  265 

An  event  may  have  occurred  which  has  placed  a 
new  aspect  upon  affairs.  A  male  has  died 
and  the  female  deprived  of  his  assistance  deserts 
the  home,  and  rambles  abroad.  In  her  flights  she 
encounters  a  male,  which  has  been  compelled  by 
due  necessity,  or  otherwise,  to  lead  a  single  life. 

A  friendship  takes  place,  and  after  a  brief  court- 
ship, the  two  become  mated.  These  preliminaries 
ended,  and  a  suitable  time  having  been  spent  in  the 
selection  of  a  proper  locality,  a  nest  is  built,  and 
the  subsequent  duties  of  oviposition  and  incuba- 
tion accomplished. 

For  nidificating  purposes,  a  maple  or  pear  tree 
is  usually  chosen.  The  nest  is  placed  about 
fifteen  feet  from  the  ground;  never  less,  but  fre- 
quently at  higher  elevations.  Sometimes  a  horizon- 
tal branch  of  the  pear  with  diverging  twigs  is 
selected.  Than  the  nest  of  the  "Thistle  Bird" 
there  is  no  more  beautiful  structure  of  the  basket 
in  form,  and  the  felted  in  texture.  The  structure 
is  symmetrical  in  shape;  delicately  and  neatly 
woven,  and  skilfully  and  finely  fastened  to  the 
forked  twigs  between  which  it  is  placed.  For 
beauty  of  design,  and  neatness  of  finish,  it  is  a  per- 
fect model  of  architectural  skill.  A  nest  before  us 
from  this  neighborhood,  may  be  considered  as 
typical.  It  is  placed  in  a  crotch,  and  held  in  situ 
by  four  small  upright  branches  which  are  partly 
wrought  into  the  fabric.  The  exterior  is  com- 
posed of  the  tassels  of  Castanea  vesca,  stems  of 
Polygonum,  a  few  leaves  and  fragments  of  a  fun- 


266  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

gold  growth,  woven  together,  with  an  excess  of 
slender  vegetable  fibres  of  Linum  Virginiana, 
and  L.  usitatissimum  occasionally  interwrought 
with  vegetable  wool  plucked  from  Verbascum 
Thapsus.  The  interior  is  lined  with  a  commingl- 
ing of  divers  shreds  of  Taraxacum  Dens-leonis 
and  Cirsium  neatly  and  cozily  felted.  It  measures 
two  and  a  half  inches  in  diameter,  and  the  same  in 
height.  The  cavity  is  two  inches  wide  at  the  rim 
and  the  same  in  depth. 

Another  nest  which  we  have  before  us  from 
Union  Co.,  Pa.,  distant  180  miles  from  the  former 
site,  varies  materially  in  size  and  in  the  composing 
elements.  It  was  placed  when  discovered  between 
two  horizontal  twigs  joined  at  right  angles  to  a 
third,  to  which  it  was  firmly  attached  by  hempen 
strings,  and  still  further  secured  to  a  vertical  twig 
at  right  angles  to  the  latter  by  similar  cords.  The 
exterior  is  composed  mainly  of  twisted  and  un- 
twisted hempen  strings  of  the  color  of -taw,  cotton 
string,  fine  roots  of  grasses,  spiders'  webs,  narrow 
shreds  of  Linum  usitatissimwn,  neatly  and  com- 
pactly felted  together.  The  interior  is  lined  with 
fine  yellow  rootlets  and  an  excess  of  white  horse- 
hair. It  is  hemispherical  in  shape  with  a  diameter 
and  depth  of  three  inches  each.  The  cavity  is  two 
inches  wide  at  the  rim  and  of  equal  depth.  This 
nest  when  found  about  the  1 5th  of  August  con- 
tained young  birds. 

Still  another  nest  which  we  have  is  somewhat 
exceptional  in  its  position.  It  rests  upon,  a  hori- 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  267 

zontal  limb  which  is  nearly  three-fourths  of  an  inch 
in  thickness,  with  three  inclined  twigs  situated 
anteriorly,  to  which  the  nest  is  fastened  by  cotton 
string1  and  the  ravellings  of  variously  colored  cotton 
fabrics.  The  outside  is  composed  mostly  of  raw 
cotton,  animal  wool,  hempen  and  cotton  strings, 
ravellings  of  cotton  fabrics,  vegetable  fibres,  root- 
lets of  grasses,  finely  and  ingeniously  interwoven. 
Interiorly,  there  is  a  commingling  of  vegetable 
wool  and  horse-hairs.  The  bottom  of  the  cavity 
is  hardly  covered,  the  twigs  which  form  the  basis 
of  the  nest  being  clearly  discernible.  This  struc- 
ture is  two  and  a  half  inches  in  diameter  and  two 
in  depth.  The  cavity  is  one  and  three-fourth 
inches  in  width  at  the  rim  and  the  same  in  depth. 

After  the  completion  of  the  nest  which  ordinarily 
requires  a  period  of  six  days,  oviposition  com- 
mences on  the  ensuing  day.  The  eggs  usually 
five  in  number  are  deposited  at  the  rate  of  one 
egg  per  diem.  Incubation  commences  the  day 
subsequent  to  the  last  deposit,  and  lasts  for  10 
days;  the  chief  part  of  its  labor  devolving  upon 
the  female-bird;  the  male  meanwhile  furnishing 
his  companion  Avith  suitable  diet.  \Vhen  not  thus 
employed,  he  occasionally  cheers  the -tedium  of  her 
task  with  an  agreeable  ditty.  His  affection  for  his 
mate  and  young  is  unsurpassed.  When  the  nest  is 
assaulted  by  enemies,  both  parents  become  ex- 
ceedingly clamorous,  and  with  fiery  eyes  and  open 
jaws  unite  to  expel  the  common  intruder. 

The  young  are  from-  IT  to  12  days  old  when 


268  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

they  leave  the  nest.  The  addition  of  a  week  or 
10  days  to  this  period,  finds  them  sufficiently 
matured  to  feed  themselves.  At*  first  they  are 
fed  by  both  parents.  Their  diet  mainly  consists 
of  the  larvse  of  Anisopteryx  vernata,  A.  pometaria, 
Zerene  catenaria,  Eufitchia  ribearia,  Limacodes 
scapha,  Chosrodes  transversata,  and  mature  forms 
of  Tabanus  lineola,  T.  cinctiis,  C^llices,  Musca 
domes  tica,  Aphis  mali,  A.  roscz,  and  others.  Later, 
the  smaller  Noctuidce,  Tortricidce,  and  Tineida, 
with  Apis  mellifica,  Selandria  vitis,  S.  caryce,  and 
and  many  species  of  the  Andrena  and  Halictus. 

After  the  young  are  able  to  provide  for  them- 
selves, they  continue  with  their  parents,  and, 
doubtless,  constitute  the  small  flocks  which  are 
seen  in  September  and  October  feeding1  upon  the 
seeds  of  Cirsium,  Aster,  and  Soli-dago. 

The  eggs  of  this  species  are  sharply  accuminate 
at  one  extremity  and  rounded  at  the  other,  and  of 
a  uniform  bluish-white  color.  The  average  mea- 
surement is  .66  by  .53  of  an  inch. 

Plectrophanes  nivalis,  Meyer. 

The  Snow  Bunting  is  an  occasional  winter  resi- 
dent in  Eastern  Pennsylvania,  appearing  with  the 
first  snows  in  December  and  January.  In  autumn 
in  their  northern  habitats,  they  are  quite  grega- 
rious, and  seem  to  prefer  the  vicinity  of  water, 
most  probably  on  account  of  the  abundance  of 
certain  aquatic  plants  which  exist  in  such  localities, 
upon  the  seeds  of  which  they  subsist.  In  this 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  269 

latitude  we  have  never  seen  more  than  three  of 
four  individuals  at  a  time,  frequently  less,  consort- 
ing with  Junci^s  hyemalis  and  our  common  winter 
sparrows. 

On  their  visits  about  our  yards  in  quest  oi  food, 
they  betray  but  little  timidity  and  behave  them- 
selves with  all  the  familiarity  of  the  Black  Snow 
Bird.  In  the  rural  districts,  however,  they  appear 
less  tame  and  affect  a  predilection  for  running 
water,  where  in  early  spring  they  may  be  seen 
feasting  upon  the  tender  catkins  of  the  Alnus 
se  rml at  a. 

Their  food  consists  of  the  berries  of  Junipenis 
Virginiana^  J.  communis,  and  Lonicera  periclymc- 
num;  besides,  the  seeds  of  Pimis  inops,  Abies 
mgra,  A.  canadensis,  Betuta  nigra,  and  those  of 
Amaranlus  hybridus,  and  various  grasses.  In 
the  winter  they  feed  upon  broom-seed,  cracked 
corn,  and  the  scraps  and  refuse  matter  which  are 
discarded  by  the  cook.  Just  before  retiring  in 
early  April,  the  eggs  and  pupae  of  Cratonychus 
cihereus,  C.  pertinax,  and  other  beetles  are  eagerly 
devoured. 

During  their  stay  they  are  devoid  of  song;  not 
even  so  much  as  a  simple  call-note  have  we  heard 
them  utter.  In  Scotland  their  call-note  is  said  to 
be  very  pleasing  and  often  repeated  during  their 
flight  in  a  compact  body.  Before  alighting  upon 
the  ground  they  make  several  sudden  turns  com- 
ing into  contact  with  each  other  and  uttering 
several  guttural  notes.  They  seldom  perch  but 


270  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS. 

move  about   upon    the  ground   with  nearly    the 
facility  of  Sturnella  magna. 

Mr.  Dall  describes  this  species  as  building  on 
the  hillside  and  under  the  lee  of  a  stone,  in  Alaska, 
where  it  is  sometimes  very  common,  and,  at  other 
times  entirely  absent.  Richardson  states  that  it 
breeds  on  all  ou  rcontinental  shores  from  Chester- 
fields's  Inlet  to  Behring  Strait,  the  most  southerly 
breeding  place  known  to  him  being  Southampton 
Island.  The  nest  is  usually  composed  of  dry- 
grass  externally,  and  lined  with  a  few  feathers  and 
deer  s  hair.  It  is  ordinarily  placed  in  a  creviced 
rock,  or  in  a  loose  pile  of  stones,  or  timbers.  N.est- 
breeding  certainly  takes  place  during  the  last  of 
June,  or  the  begining  of  July,  as  a  nest  was  dis- 
covered by  the  last  mentioned  individual,  July  22, 
which  contained  four  young  Snow  Birds.  In  this 
instance  the  young  were  fed  by  both  birds  quite 
frequently  with  various  grubs, 

A  nest  with  young  birds  is  said  to  have  been 
taken  by  Kirk  Boott,  Esq.,  of  Boston.,  In  the  sum- 
mer of  1 8 34 among  the  White  Mountains,  which  was 
probably  an  accidental  occurrence.  The  only  au- 
thenticated nest  and  eggs  in  the  Smithsonian  col- 
lection were  taken  on  the  Artie  coast  east  of  Fort 
Anderson  by  R.  MacFarlane,  Esq.  This  nest  bears 
the  label,  "Nest  situated  in  a  cave  in  a  sand-bank." 
It  is  built  of  wiry  grass  stems  externally,  and  lined 
with  a  few  feathers.  In  slope  it  resembles  a  deep 
saucer,  and  has  an  external  and  an  internal 
diameter  of  3.75  and  3.00  inches  respectively,  with 


OF '  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  2J I 

an  outer  and   an  inner  depth  of  2.50  and  1.50 
inches. 

The  eggs  are  five  in  number,  dull  white,  and 
spotted  with  slightly  yellowish-rufous  markings, 
which  are  more  plentiful  about  the  larger  ex- 
tremity. They  measure  .95  of  an  inch  in  length 
and  .65  in  width,  The  above  description  of  nest 
and  eggs  is  substantially  taken  from  the  work  on 

"North  America  Birds." 

- 
Passercidus  savanna,    Bonap. 

The  Savanna  Sparrow  is  principally  a  maritime 
species,  .and  only  occasionally  found  inland.  In 
Eastern.  Pennsylvania  it  is  by  no  means  common, 
and  is  found  mainly  in  lowlands  of  a  humid  char- 
acter. It  ordinarily  visits  this  latitude  from  the 
ist  to  the  1 5th  of  April,  and  after  a  stay  from  a 
week .  to  ten  days,  retires  north  to  breed.  In 
habits  it  is  pre-eminently  terrestrial.  We  have 
seldom  observed  i,t  on  a  bush,  or  tree,  or  even  a 
fence -rail. 

It  is  far  from  being  shy,  and  can  be  approached 
without,  difficulty.  In  some  parts  of  the  country 
these  birds  are  quite  gregarious,  and  move  in 
large  Hocks  and  associate  with  other  species,  which 
is  particularly  the  case  about  Columbia,  South 
Carolina  where  they  winter  from  October  to  April, 
according  to  Dr.  Coues.  During  their  short  stay 
with  us  in  April,  we  have  generally  observed  soli- 
tary individuals,  very  seldom  as  many  as  two  or 
three  together. 

o 


272  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   BIRDS 

Their  food  consists  of  the  seeds  of  grasses  of 
last  year's  growth  which  they  procure  in  their 
accustomed  haunts,  besides  various  small  insects 
which  venture  forth  at  the  season  of  their  arrival. 
We  have  detected  remains  of  Cratonychus  cinereus, 
Harpalus  conipar,  Ca$nonia  pcnmylvanica,  Hal- 
tica  chalybea,  of  a  coleopterous  character,  and  For- 
mica sanguinea,  and  other  species  of  ants. 

The  flight  of  this  species  reminds  us  of  that  of 
the  Fox-colored  Sparrow  in  being  low,  undulating, 
and  slightly  sustained.  Its  ground  movements 
are  strikingly  characteristic  of  the  same  species. 

In  Massachusetts  it  is  only  a  summer  resident, 
in  a  few  restricted  maritime  districts,  according  to 
Dr.  Brewer;  while  in  the  West,  Mr.  Allen  says,  it 
rarely,  if  ever,  stops  to  breed.  In  Western  Maine, 
Mr.  Verrill  states  it  to  be  a  common  summer 
occupant,  and  as  breeding  there  in  the  latter  part 
of  May.  In  the  neighborhood  of  Eastport,  and  in 
the  Grand  Menan  group  of  islands,  Dr.  Brewer 
affirms  that  they  invariably  nidificate  in  great 
numbers,  in  the  depressions  on  the  margin,  or  just 
under  projecting  bluffs  of  land  close  to  the  sea, 
many  nests  being  built  in  close  proximity  to  each 
other.  They  arrive  there  in  April  and  retire  in 
September,  their  departure  being  apparently  regu- 
lated more  by  the  scarcity  of  food-stuffs  than  by 
thermometric  changes. 

Dr.  Coues  found  this  species  quite* abundant  in 
Labrador,  in  1860,  where  it  fed  on  the  beds  of 
eel  grass,  along  the  rocky  shores,  in  company  with 
the  small  Sandpipers  and  the  Titlarks. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  273 

Although  this  Sparrow  affects  a  fondness  for  low, 
humid  grounds,  yet  it  nidificates  invariably  in  dry 
and  usually  slightly  elevated  places.  The  nest  is 
generally  sunk  into  the  ground  and  built  of  grasses, 
loosely  arranged  and  lined  with  softer  materials 
of  the  same.  Dr.  Brewer  says  this  species  is 
particularly  wary  and  mistrustful  when  with  nest. 
Both  birds  according  to  the  same  author  incubate 
alternately,  but  one  when  not  thus  occupied  re- 
mains within  hailing  distance,  and  by  a  given 
signal  reminds  the  other  of  the  approach  of 
danger,  when  the  latter  glides  out  of  the  nest  and 
runs  along  the  ground  like  a  mouse. 

The  eggs  are  five  or  six  in  number,  rounded- 
oval,  with  one  end  more  acuminate  than  the  other. 
They  are  partially  covered  with  reddish-brown 
blotches  upon  a  greenish-white  ground-work; 
the  blotches  being  more  numerous  and  confluent 
about  the  larger  extremity,  constituting  a  corona.  s 
In  others,  in  addition  to  the  above,  the  ground- 
color is  almost  obscured  by  fine  ferruginous  dots. 
They  measure  .67  of  an  inch  in  length,  and  .54  in 
breadth. 

During  its  autumnal  migration  this  species  is 
seldom  observed;  but  when  it  is  seen,  it  is  a  deni- 
zen of  low,  humid  grounds  where  it  subsists  upon 
the  seeds  of  graminaceous  plants,  asters,  solidagos, 
and  divers  small  insects  which  are  occupants  of 
such  localities. 


R 


274  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

Pooecetes  granrineus,  Baird. 

The  Bay-winged  or  Grass  Finch  is  tolerably 
abundant  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania  during  the 
early  spring,  but  few  remain,  however,  to  breed. 
It  usually  makes  its  appearance  about  the  i5th  of 
March,  and  sometimes  in  very  backward  seasons, 
not  before  the  first  of  April.  Along  the  Wissa- 
hickon  hills  in  unusually  mild  winters,  in  sheltered 
situations,  we  have  met  individuals  throughout 
the  winter  months.  Its  stay  is  uncommonly  pro- 
longed until  the  last  of  November,  but  ordinarily 
it  retires  about  the  last  of  October. 

It  is  partial  to  dry,  open  fields  and  pastures, 
where  it  procures  its  subsistence,  and  mainly  de- 
lights to  place  in  depressions  in  the  ground  of  its 
own  construction,  with  no  attempt  at  concealment, 
its  simple  nest  of  grasses.  It  is  a  fearless  and 
unsuspicious  species,  neither  courting  nor  shun- 
ning the  society  of  man.  We  have  never  met 
with  its  nest  near  human  dwellings,  but  have 
frequently  observed  it  chanting  its  simple  and  not 
unmusical  lay,  while  perched  upon  a  fence-rail  by 
the  roadside,  and  ever  and  anon  stooping  from  its 
elevated  position  to  dust,  which  operation  it 
practised  with  seeming  fondness. 

Its  song  is  a  simple  succession  of  pleasing  notes 
with  some  resemblance  to  those  of  the  Canary, 
but  much  weaker.  It  is  not  unlike  the  song  of 
Melospiza  nielodia,  but  neither  so  varied  nor 
powerful ;  and  like  the  same  commences  early  in 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  275 

the  morning  and  after  a  few  hours'  continuance,  is 
relaxed  to  be  renewed  at  sunset.  'Its  song  is  con- 
tinued until  late  in  the  season. 

The  flight  of  this  bird,  like  most  of  the  Fringil- 
lidce,  is  low,  undulating,  and  but  slightly  prolonged. 

Its  food  consists  of  insects  and  seeds  of  various 
kinds.  It  loves  to  visit  fallow  ground,  where  it 
derives  a  considerable  portion  of  its  food,  being 
exclusively  terrestrial  while  searching  for  the  same. 
We  have  observed  it  feeding  upon  the  seeds  of 
Phleum  prcztense,  the  various  species  of  Panicum 
and  Poa,  Amarantus  hybridus,  A.  albus,  and  occa- 
sionally upon  the  freshly  sown  seed  of  Raphanus 
sativus,  and  the  common  salad.  The  following 
insects  have  been  found  in  several  stomachs  which 
we  have  examined  in  the  spring-time: — Harpalus 
compar,  Casnonia  pennsylvanica,  Platynus  cupripen- 
nts,  Haltica  chalybea,  Scarites  subterraneus,  Cra- 
tonychus  cinereus,  Formica  sanguinea,  F.  subterra- 
nea,  and  Lumbricus  terrestris.  Later  in  the  sea- 
son the  larvae  of  Anisopteryx  vernata,  A.pometaria, 
Zerene  catenaria,  Eujitchia  ribearia,  Gortyna  zees, 
and  mature  forms  of  Penthina  pomonella,  Hale- 
sidota  tessellaris,  Limacodes  scapha,  PLusia  preca- 
tionis,  and  others.  The  young  are  feel  upon  the 
larvae  of  the  foregoing  lepidoptera,  aphides,  spiders, 
and  earthworms.  The  fruit  of  Fragaria  Virginica, 
Rubus  villosus,  and  the  wild  choke-cherry  are 
also  eaten. 

Nidification     commences     during   the    last   of 
April  or  the  begining  of  May.     The  nest  is  mostly 


276  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

placed  upon  the  ground  and  is  the  joint  labor  of 
the  sexes  during  a  period  of  three  days.  It  is 
composed  almost  exclusively  of  dry  grass-stems, 
and  is  lined  with  soft  materials  of  the  same. 
Oviposition  commences  on  the  day  following  the 
completion  of  the  nest,  and  continues  for  four  or 
five  days,  according  to  the  complement  of  eggs 
laid.  Incubation  then  ensues  and  lasts  for  1 2  days. 
We  have  never  met  with  more  than  two  breeds  in 
a  season. 

When  the  nest  is  approached,  the  birds  seek  by 
various  stratagems  to  draw  off  the  intruder,  some- 
times counterfeiting  the  most  astonishinglameness. 
The  parents  manifest  the  utmost  devotion  for 
their  young.  The  latter  are  confined  to  their 
nest  until  they  are  from  12  to  13  days  old  when 
they  quit  it,  but  still  continue  under  the  watch- 
fulness and  care  of  the  parents  from  7  to  10 
days  longer,  when  they  are  fitted  to  provide  them- 
selves with  nourishment. 

The  eggs  are  oblong-oval,  more  acuminate  at 
one  extremity  than  the  other,  and  marked  with 
clivers  tints  of  reddish-brown  spots,  lines  and 
dots  upon  a  light  greenish-white  ground-color.  In 
some  eggs  the  spots  mainly  constitute  an  annuhis 
about  the  larger  extremity,  and  in  others,  the 
ground-color  is  scarcely  distinguishable  from  the 
abundance  of  spots.  The  eggs  average  .85  of  an 
inch  in  length  and  about  .64  in  breadth. 

Coturniculus  passerinus,  Bo  nap. 
The  common  Yellow-winged  Bunting  is_quite 


OF  EASTERN   PENNSYLVANIA,  277 

irregularly  distributed.  In  some  portions  of  New 
Jersey  it  is  a  very  common  species,  while  in  East- 
ern Pennsylvania  it  is  found  in  limited  numbers' 
We  have  never  known  it  to  nidificate  within  the 
confines  of  Philadelphia.  It  is  a  migrant  and  ap- 
pears with  the  chipping-sparrow  during  the  last 
of  April,  or  the  beginning  of  May. 

tit  is  extremely  partial  to  low  sandy  fields  du ring- 
its  brief  sojourn,  and  is  mainly  found  upon  the 
ground  like  the  subject  of  the  last  sketch,  search- 
ing for  the  seeds  and  insects  upon  which  it  subsists. 
Occasionally  we  have  found  it  upon  small  bushes 
and  weeds,  but  never  upon  trees  even  of  moderate 
growth. 

From  the  manner  of  its  occurrence  we  are  led 
to  infer  that  it  is  not  gregarious.  It  is  sometimes 
found  associated  with  the  field  and  other  sparrows, 
but  this  association  is  doubtless  purely  accidental. 

Though  mainly  restricted  to  rural  districts,  and 
seldom  if  ever  visiting  the  haunts  of  man,  it  may 
be  presumed  in  the  absence  of  evidence  per  contra, 
to  be  a  shy  and  timid  creature.  Though  ex- 
tremely unobstrusive  in  its  manners,  it  manifests, 
however,  a  confidential  mien,  and  can  be  ap- 
proached without  displaying  a  shadow  of  fear  or 
alarm. 

The  song  of  this  species  is  short  and  feeble,  and 
bears  a  marked  resemblance  to  that  of  a  grass- 
hopper. It  lacks  variety  and  expression,  and  may 
be  well  characterized  as  an  "unmusical  ditty"  in 
the  language  of  Audubon. 


278  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

It  is  pre-eminently  terrestrial  in  its  habits,  living, 
feeding,  and  nesting  on  or  close  to  the  ground.  It 
subsists  upon  the  seeds  of  asters,  solidagos,  Aira 
flexuosa^Amarantus  hybridus,A.  albus,  and  various 
species  of  Panicum,  during  the  early  part  of  the 
season;  and,  later,  upon  Raphanus  sativus,  com- 
mon salad,  Ambrosia  artemisicefolia,  and  the 
berries  of  Juniperus  Virginiana.  Among  insets 
we  have  observed  the  remains  of  CEdipoda  sul- 
phur ea,  CE.nebulosa,  Diccelus  dilatatus,  Harpalus 
compar,  PI.  pensylvanicus,  Formica  sanguinea, 
and  earthworms,  besides  the  dipterous  forms 
of  Musca  domestica,  Stomoxys  calcitrant,  and  Culex 
tczniorhynchus. 

Its  stay  is  brief  and  lasts  but  a  week.  It  retires 
as  silently  and  as  unexpectedly  as  it  came.  During 
its  autumnal  migration,  it  rarely  stops,  usually 
passing  rapidly  through  in  its  southward-bound 
journey  to  Mexico  and  Central  America  where  it 
passes  the  winter-months. 

In  the  vicinity  of  Newark,  N.  J.,  it  is  a  very- 
abundant  species,  and  nidificates  in  great  numbers. 
Mr.  Maynard  says  it  breeds  abundantly  on  the 
island  of  Nantucket,  and  Mr.  Allan  claims  for  it  an 
abundant  summer  visitant  in  Western  Massachu- 
setts where  it  breeds  in  dry  fields  and  pastures, 
/  and  is  double-brooded.  Mr.  T.  S.  Brandigee, 
according  to  Dr.  Brewer,  found  several  nests  in 
the  neighborhood  of  Hartford,  Conn.,  which  were 
built  in  a  held  of  thin  grass  upon  the  ground,  and 
nearly  hidden  from  view.  In  Northfield,  111.  ac- 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  2  79 

cording  to  Robert  Kennicott,  Esq.,  it  breeds  quite 
abundantly. 

The  nest  is  placed  on  the  ground,  most  gener- 
ally in  a  tuft  of  grass  or  in  a  cluster  of  plants,  and 
is  built  of  dry  grasses  and  lined  with  horse-hair. 
The  young,  it  is  said,  follow  their  parents  for  a 
brief  period,  but  soon  separate  and  care  for 
themselves. 

The  eggs  are  rounded-oval,  and  dashed  and 
'blotched  with  golden-brown  markings  upon  a  clear 
white  background.  They  measure  .74  of  an  inch 
length  and  .62  in  breadth. 

Melospiza  lincolnii,  Baird. 

Lincoln's  Finch,  so  called  by  Mr.  Audubon  in 
honor  of  Mr.  Thomas  Lincoln,  one  of  his  com- 
panions, is  an  exceedingly  rare  species  in  Phila- 
delphia, although  more  abundant  to  the  westward. 
It  makes  its  appearance  during  the  latter  part  of 
April  or  the  beginning  of  May,  and  is  generally 
found  consorted  with  other  species  of  sparrows. 
Its  habits,  in  some  particulars,  remind  us  of  those 
of  Melospiza  melddia.  Like  this  species  it  perches 
upon  the  top  of  a  small  bush  or  low  tree,  and 
chants  its  song  for  an  hour  at  a  time.  When  dis- 
turbed it  moves  quickly  away  and  precipitates 
itself  into  the  densest  bush  with  which  it  meets. 
Unlike  the  Song  Sparrow  it  is  more  suspicious, 
and  can  be  approached  only  with  great  difficulty. 
It  shuns  rather  than  courts  the  society  of  man,  and 
affects  a  fondness  for  thick  bushes  along  water- 
courses, in  secluded  valleys. 


280  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   BIRDS 

Its  song  is  characterized  for  its  sweetness,  and 
surpasses  in  strength  that  of  any  of  our  ordinary 
sparrows.  Mr.  Audubon  describes  it  as  com- 
pounded of  the  notes  of  the  Canary  and  the 
European  Woodlark. 

The  flight  of  this  species  is  low,  rapid,  undulating, 
and  but  moderately  sustained. 

This  bird  subsists  mainly  upon  seeds  and  berries, 
although  many  insects  are  eagerly  devoured.  The 
seeds  of  various  species  of  Panic-urn,  Amarantus, 
and  Solidago,  among  plants;  besides  Casnonia 
pennsylvanica,  Harpalus  compar,  Platymts  cupri- 
pennis,  Formica  sangiiinea,  and  other  species  of 
ants  have  been  identified  in  several  stomach- 
examinations. 

According  to  Mr.  Audubon  this  species  breeds 
in  Labrador,  where  young  birds  were  met  with  as 
early  as  the  4th  of  July.  Dr.  Hoy  found  them 
breeding  near  Racine,  Wis.,  and  Mr.  Audubon 
met  them  during  the  breeding-period  on  the 
Upper  Missouri.  In  the  weedy  pastures  in 
Parley's  Park,  in  Northern  Utah,  a  nest  with  young 
was  discovered  by«  Mr.  Ridgway  imbedded  in  the 
ground,  underneath  a  bush.  In  high  Arctic 
latitudes,  it  has  been  found  breeding,  and  on  the 
top  of  Mt.  Lincoln,  at  an  elevation  of  eight  thou- 
sand feet,  it  has  been  found  to  be  a  very  abundant 
species  by  Mr.  Allen. 

Mr.  Kennicott  observed  its  nest  as  early  as 
June  14,  and  remarked  that  it  was  placed  on  the 
ground  in  a  clump  of  grasses,  in  an  open  and  dry 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  28 1 

place;  another  structure  was  built  in  a  bunch  of 
grass  in  the  midst  of  a  small  grassy  pond.  The 
complement  of  eggs,  according  to  the  last  named 
authority  is  five. 

The  eggs  discovered  near  Racine  by  Dr.  Hoy, 
according  to  Dr.  Brewer,  are  a  pale  greenish- white, 
and  densely  marked  with  ferruginous  brown  clots 
and  blotches,  to  such  an  extent  as  sometimes  to 
disguise  the  ground-color.  They  measure  .74  by 
.60  of  an  inch. 

This  species  probably  winters  in  Guatemala,  and 
certainly  in  Mexico  as  it  is  quite  common  here  in 
the  winter. 

•   Melospiza  palustris,  Baird. 

The  Swamp  Sparrow  is  an  occasional  winter 
resident  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania,  but  is  principally 
a  migrant  species,  where  it  arrives  during  the  last 
week  of  April  or  the  first  week  of  May.  Among 
unscientific  persons  it  is  not  generally  known  in 
consequence  of  its  love  of  retirement  and  its 
peculiar  haunts.  It  seldom  if  ever  visits  the  habi- 
tations of  man,  but  chiefly  delights  in  low,  marshy 
grounds,  and  the  borders  of  streams.  For  a  week 
after  its  arrival  it  is  somewhat  gregarious,  the  bulk 
retiring  farther  north,  while  a  few  remain  here  to 
bree 

Though  partial  to  places  which  are  seldom 
visited  by  human  beings,  save  where  a  love  of 
nature  is  their  controlling  motive,  yet  we  are  as- 
sured from  a  long  experience  that  it  manifests  less 


282  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

timidity  than  is  customary  with  many  species  that 
frequent  less  quiet  and  more  exposed  localities. 
We  can  rightly  claim  for  it  as  much  confidence 
and  familiarity  as  is  possessed  by  Mclospiza  melo- 
dia,  a  very  near  relative,  which  freely  delights  in 
the  companionship  of  man. 

Unlike  this  last  mentioned  species,  and  other 
congeneric  species,  it  rarely  takes  to  trees  while 
feeding,  but  is  either  found  upon  the  ground  or  in 
low  bushes.  In  some  particulars  it  reminds  us  of 
Seiurus  noveboracensis  of  Nuttall  from  its  peculiar 
fondness  for  streams  of  water. 

The  seeds  and  other  articles  of  diet,  which  it 
readily  discovers  in  low,  marshy  grounds  and  along 
water-courses,  doubtless,  operate  as  a  strong  in- 
centive to  such  predilection.  Perhaps  this  custom 
is  of  long  continuance,  and  the  species  has  not 
yet  encountered  those  changes  in  its  environment, 
which  must  determine  corresponding  changes  of 
habit.  The  abundance  of  marshy  ground  and 
their  probable  existence  for  years  to  come,  have  a 
tendency  to  induce  this  species  to  traverse  the 
"old  beaten  road  of  habit." 

In  its  movements  from  bush  to  bush,  or  upon 
the  ground,  its  only  note  is  a  hoarse  cheep,  uttered 
at  irregular  intervals.  Its  song  though  harsh  and 
lively,  lacks  the  variety  and  modulation  which 
characterize  that  of  the  Song  Sparrow.  Its  flight 
is  low,  undulating,  and  poorly  sustained. 

Early  in  the  season  its  food  consists  of  the  seeds 
of  grasses  and  weeds,  with  a  few  insects.  Among 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  283 

the  former  may  be  mentioned  the  seeds  of  Poa 
trivialis,  P.  nemoralis,  and  Arrhenatherum  arena- 
ceum;  and,  among  the  latter,  harpalus  compar, 
Casnonia  pennsylvanica,  Cr atony  chus  cinereus,  Culex 
tczniorhynclms,  and  various  dipterous  and  coleop- 
terous beetles  that  are  indigenous  to  low,  aqueous 
situations.  As  the  season  advances,  Haltica 
chalybea,  Cymindis  viridipennis,  Chrysomela  cceru- 
leipennis,  among  coleoptera;  and  the  larvae  of 
Limacodes  scapha,  Agrotis  tessellata,  Choerodes 
transversata,  Ennomos  subsignaria,  Anisopteryx 
vernata,  Hybernia  tiliaria,  and  mature  forms  of 
Plusia,  Acronycta,  and  many  of  the  Tortricidce  and 
Tineidce  are  devoured  and  fed  to  the  young. 

Nidification  commences  ordinarily  about  the 
1 5th  of  May.  A  tussock  of  grass  is  ordinarily 
selected  for  the  site  of  a  nest.  The  latter  is 
placed  in  a  depression  in  the  ground,  and  is  held 
in  position  by  the  surrounding  grasses.  It  is  con- 
structed almost  entirely  of  dry  grasses  which  are 
gathered  in  the  vicinity.  It  is  neither  so  large  nor 
so  firmly  woven  as  that  of  the  Song  Sparrow.  To 
the  labor  of  building  both  birds  apply  themselves 
with  commendable  assiduity.  On  the  completion 
of  the  nest  which  requires  not  more  than  three 
days,  the  female  commences  oviposition,  which 
proceeds  at  the  rate  of  one  egg  daily  for  four 
days,  until  the  complement  is  deposited.  Incuba- 
tion follows  the  next  day,  and  continues  for  a 
period  of  1 1  days.  We  do  not  think  the  male 
takes  any  part  in  this  essential  operation,  save  to 


284  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

supply  his  companion  with  food,  which  like  a  faithful 
and  affectionate  husband  he  willingly  performs. 
When  not  thus  engaged,  he  perches  upon  an  ad- 
joining tussock  or  bush,  and  exerts  his  utmost  to 
defend  his  mate  and  nest  against  the  encroach- 
ments of  enemies. 

The  young  are  fed  alternately  by  both  parents. 
The  solicitude  of  the  latter  for  the  former  is  truly 
remarkable,  and  continues  sometimes  after  the 
young  have  assumed  their  independence.  The 
young  leave  the  nest  1 2  days  after  hatching,  and 
in  ten  days  more  are  prepared  for  self-maintenance. 

Two  broods  are  reared  in  a  season ;  the  second 
during  the  month  of  July,  the  first  being  fully 
matured  and  out  of  the  way  when  preparations 
are  begun  for  a  second.  After  the  breeding- 
period  is  over,  both  old  and  young  subsist  upon 
the  seeds  of  meadow-brasses,  sedges,  rushes,  and 

o  o 

berries  of  the  common  red-cedar,  and  a  few 
insects,  until  their  departure  during  the  last  of 
October. 

The  e£o>s  are   a  ligfht    o-reen,   and  are  marked 

oo  o  o 

with  reddish  and  purplish-brown  spots  which 
are  confluent  about  the  larger  extremity,  con- 
stituting an  annulus.  They  measure  .76  of  an 
inch  in  length  and  .50  in  breadth. 

Melospiza  nielodia,  Baird. 

The  Song  Sparrow  is  one  of  our  permanent 
residents,  and  is  universally  distributed.  In  the 
winter  it  is  one  of  our  most  agreeable  guests,  fre- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  285 

quenting  our  yards  and  gardens  in  company  with 
Junco  Jiyemalis  and  Spizclla  vionticola  for  the 
crumbs  and  scraps  which  have  been  cast  away  by 
the  cook.  It  commonly  associates  with  our 
ordinary  barn-yarcl  fowls  for  its  share  of  cracked 
corn,  broom-seed,  and  wheat-screenings.  It  de- 
lights to  build  in  low  bushes  by  the  sides  of  open 
fields,  or  on  the  borders  of  thickets,  and  frequently 
in  depressions  on  the  ground  surmounted  by  tall 
grasses. 

For  weeks  anterior  *to  nidihcation  the  males 
seek  the  tall  tree-tops  and  regale  us  with  the  most 
delicious  music.  Its  song  is  heard  as  early  as  the 
1 5th  of  March,  and  continues  from  early  morning 
until  long  after  sunset  with  scarcely  an  intermis- 
sion. In  the  middle  of  the  day  when  most  other 
species  are  silent  and  have  shrunk  away  to  the 
refreshing  shades,  its  song  is  as  ardent  as  ever. 
For  variation  and  modulation  of  voice  it  is  un- 
excelled by  few  species.  Some  of  its  strains  re- 
call to  mind  the  delicious  symphonies  of  Turdus 
imistelinus\  and  others,  again,  bear  a  close  resem- 
blance to  those  of  Spizdla  monticola.  At  most 
times  its  song  is  lively  and  vivacious,  and  occasion- 
ally assumes  a  plaintive  character.  The  Canary's 
exceeds  it  in  variety,  but  lacks  its  sweetness  and 
pathos.  The  following  syllables  express  with 
tolerable  exactness  the  song  of  a  capital  singer: — 
tsi-lsi-tsl-fwee-tlo-tiu-tw,  wha-wh&a&aa-ke-ke-ke, 
tsl-lsl-ts~i-twcc-twimi,  tsi-tsi-tsl-twa-turrrr,  tsi-tsl-tsi- 
f-wa-turrrr^  tsl-twd-twd-twinil-tw\  Its  ordinary 


286  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

call-note  is  a  simple  hwlt  produced  slowly  and  at 
regular  intervals  during  feeding  and  perching. 
The  same  syllable  pronounced  sharply  and 
hurriedly  is  expressive  of  anger  and  also  of  dis- 
appointment. The  prelude  to  its  song  resembles 
nearly  the  first^measure  of  that  of  Spizella  monti- 
cola  and  may  be  written  twl-twt-twi-twi-twi-i-i-i-l, 
but  is  pronounced  with  less  animation. 

The  flight  of  this  Sparrow  is  low,  undulating,  and 
but  moderately  protracted. 

Its  food  is  principally  procured  from  the  ground 
and  among  the  leaves  and  branches  of  trees  and 
shrubs,  and  consists  of  the  seeds  of  various  plants, 
and  divers  insects.  Early  in  the  spring  it  is  chiefly 
a  vegetarian.  An  examination  of  the  contents  of 
many  stomachs  discloses  but  few  insect-fragments, 
in  comparison  with  what  is  found  in  the  Phcebe 
bird.  The  blossoms  of  the  red  maple,  particu- 
larly their  stamens  and  pistils,  the  green  berries  of 
Juniperus  communis,  are  devoured  with  avidity. 
In  the  months  of  March  and  April,  we  have  de- 
tected in  stomachs,  seeds  of  Amarantus  albus,  A. 
hybridus,  Raphanus  sativus,  common  salad,  and 
common  beet,  with  the  young  of  Acheta  nigra, 
Caloptenus  femur -rub  rum,  Platynus  cupripennis, 
Donacia  confluenta^  Formica  sanguinea,  and  earth- 
worms. \ 

As  spring  advances  into  summer,  the  eggs  and 
larvae  of  various  fruits  and  insects  are  devoured 
with  a  gusto.  The  cultivated  varieties  of  Prunus 
the  wild  and  cultivated  species  of  Fra- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  287 

garia  are  especially  esteemed.  Among  insects 
the  larvae  of  Anisopteryx  vernaia,  A.  pometara, 
Zerene  catenaria,  Eujltchia  rib  ear ia,  Angerina  cro- 
cataria,  Ermomos  subsignaria,  Chcerodcs  transver- 
satay  Limacodes  scapha^Asopia  eostalis,  Lozotcznia 
rosaceana,  and  mature  forms  of  Thecla  Jiumuli, 
Calliniorpha  Lcconter,  Lithacodesfasciola,  Utetkeisa 
bella,  Spilosoma  Virginica,  Lithosia  miniata,  Pen- 
thina  pomonella  and  many  of  the  Tineidcz. 

Mating  commences  about  the  2Oth  of  April,  or- 
dinarily, and  nidification  about  the  25th  of  the 
same  month,  two  weeks  after  the  robin  has  com- 
menced. Instances  have  been  met  with  where  this 
business  has  been  deferred,  owing  to  meteorlogical 
conditions,  until  the  middle  of  May.  Young  birds 
select  for  a  nest  a  shallow  cavity  by  the  roadside, 
or  on  the  border's  of  a  field  in  the  midst  of  a  dense 
growth  of  grasses;  while  old  birds,  ordinarily, 
build  in  low  bushes.  The  former  soon  learn  to 
disregard  such  places  for  the  security  which  eleva- 
ted localities  afford.  Nests  constructed  amid 
branches  are  generally  more  compact,  and  display 
better  taste  and  skill  than  those  placed  upon  the 
ground.  The  latter  being  less  exposed  to  the 
influence  of  the  jvvind,  require  less  compactness 
than  the  others.  .* 

Both  birds  labor  with  remarkable  diligence  until 
a  nest  is  built  which  is  the  result  of  four  days' 
application  during  the  cool  of  the  mornings  and 
afternoons.  The  birds  commence  at  sunrise  and 
work  for  three  hours;  then  desisting  therefrom 


288  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

and  reassuming  the  work  at  4  P.  M.,  and  continu- 
ing until  sunset,  and  often  later.  The  labor  of  the 
female  seems  to  be  the  suitable  adjustment  of  the 
materials  supplied  by  her  partner. 

Nests  built  in  trees  differ  not  only  in  compact- 
ness from  those  placed  upon  the  ground,  bnt  also 
in  dimensions;  the  former  having  a  less  peripheral 
extent,  and  being  more  neatly  and  firmly  construc- 
ted. Exteriorly,  the  nest  is  composed  of  the 
culms  of  fine  grasses  so  adjusted  as  to  present  a 
decided  contrast  to  the  nest  of  the  Spizella  monti- 
cola;  the  ends  of  the  stems  of  which  a  nest  of 
the  latter  is  built,  project  considerably  at  the  rim, 
and  present  the  appearance  of  an  enclosure  of 
palisades.  Interiorly,  there  is  a  lining  of  fine 
stems  of  Panicum,  or  horse-hairs.  Another  nest 
which  may  be  considered  typical  and  which  was 
placed  within  a  cluster  of  grasses  in  a  cavity  in  the 
ground,  consists  of  a  framework  of  coarse  grasses 
and  roots  of  the  same,  leaves,  fragments  of  paper, 
somewhat  loosely  aggregated,  and  held  together 
by  surrounding  grasses.  Within,  is  a  neat,  symme- 
trical, and  firmly  built  cup-shaped  structure  formed 
of  grass-stems  of  Panicum  capillare,  which  is  lined 
with  horse-hair.  In  the  work  on  "North  American 
Birds"  it  is  said  that  the  two  types  of  nests  are 
similarly  constructed.  Our  experience,  especially 
in  this  section  of  the  country,  shows  a  marked 
difference.  The  tree-nests  resemble]  the  cup- 
shaped  structure  of  the  former  but  are  devoid  of 
the  underlying  basis. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  289 

Another  nest  which  we  posses,  has  the  exterior 
composed  of  fine  grasses  with  a  slight  intermingl- 
ing of  raw  cotton.  The  interior  is  lined  with 
slender  stems  of  Paniciun,  and  a  few  horse-hairs. 
The  most  beautiful  as  well  as  the  most  neatly  built 
nest  we  have  ever  witnessed,  was  obtained  by  us 
in  Cumberland  Co.  N.  J.,  in  the  snmmer  of  1872. 
It  rests  upon  a  horizontal  twig  and  is  supported 
by  two  others  which  incline  at  an  angle  of  60°  to 
the  former.  It  is  composed  externally  of  fine 
branches  of  Panicum  neatly  and  compactly  inter- 
woven, and  lined  with  raw  cotton,  vegetable  down, 
and  the  silk  of  Asclepias\  the  entire  outer  surface 
is  covered  with  raw  cotton  which  almost  completely 
conceals  the  grass-stems  from  view.  This  nest  is 
hemispherical  in  shape,  and  has  a  diameter  at  the 
rim  of  five  and  a  half  inches,  and  a  height  of  two 
and  a  half.  The  cavity  is  circular  with  a  diameter 
of  two  and  a  half  inches  and  a  depth  of  two. 

The  period  of  bviposition  immediately  follows 
nest- completion  and  continues  for  five  days,  when 
it  is  succeeded  on  the  ensuing  day  by  incubation 
which  lasts  about  1 1  days.  During  the  operation 
the  male  occasionally  relieves  his  partner.  Whilst 
she  is  occupied,  he  provides  her  with  nourishment; 
and  when  not  employed  in  such  matters,  he  stations 
himself  in  close  proximity,  ready  to  resist  the 
slightest  invasion.  The  tedium  of  the  time  is 
occasionally  relieved  by  an  agreeable  ditty. 

Both  parents  are  extremely  devoted    to  their 


290  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

young,  unwearied  in  their  attentions,  and  seek  by 
loud  cries  and  menaces  to  drive  away  intruders. 

The  young  are  fed  upon  the  larvae  and  mature 
forms  of  divers  insects.  The  following  list  com- 
prehends a  portion  of  their  bill  of  fare: — Lumbricus 
terrestris,  Anisopteryx  vernata,  A.  pome  tar ia, 
Zerene  catenaria,  Chozrodcs  transversata,  Hybernia 
tiiiaria,  Leucania  ilnipuncta,  Agrotis  tessellata, 
Pieris  rapes,  Colias  philodicc,  Utetheisabella,  The  da 
humuli,  Gortyna  zece,  in  thair  larval  stages;  Musca 
domestica,  Tabanus  lineola,  Culcx  tceniorkyncJius, 
Aphis  mail,  A.  roses,  Lachnostenia  quercina,  in  larval 
forms,  and  many  of  the  smaller  moths  of  Noctuidcc, 
Tortricidtz  and  Tineidcc.  As  they  mature,  food 
suited  to  their  development  is  administered. 
They  are  from  1 2  to  13  days  old  when  they  leave 
the  nest,  and  in  ten  clays  more  are  able  to  maintain 
themselves.  Two  broods  are  reared  in  a  season  ; 
the  latter  during  the  beginning  of  July. 

After  the  breeding  season  is  over  both  young 
and  old  collect  in  small  flocks  and  feed  together. 
We  deem  it  highly  probable,  owing  to  the  small 
size  of  these  autumnal  flocks,  that  they  are  com- 
posed of  individuals  of  one  family  alone.  When 
food  becomes  scarce  in  consequence  of  climatic 
changes,  the  greater  number  of  these  birds  depart 
for  the  South;  a  few  remaining  as  before  re- 
marked, during  the  entire  winter. 

Whether  those  that  have  been  bred  in  the 
neighborhood  remain  it  is  difficult  to  affirm  with 
certainty.  As  the  winter  occupants  seem  to  be 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA. 


29I 


hardier  and  more  robust  than  our  summer  deni- 
zens, we  incline  to  the  opinion  that  the  latter 
retire  to  the  South  in  the  autumn  and  are  suc- 
ceeded by  sparrows,  from  more  northern  latitudes. 
We  are  confirmed  somewhat  in  this  opinion  by 
the  simultaneous  occurrence  of  these  hardier 
sparrows  with  the  Black  Snow  Birds. 

The  song  of  our  winter  denizen  commences 
with  that  of  Spizella  mcnticola  about  the  middle 
of  March,  and  ceases  with  it  about  the  i2th  of 
April,  when  both  species  depart.  Its  song  is  more 
%  varied,  and  possesses  greater  sweetness  and  power 
of  expression.  A  capital  singer  which  we  observed 
very  closely  during  the  past  season,  was  capable 
of  producing  no  less  than  ten  distinct  measures  in 
regular  succession.  The  individuals  which  arrive 
from  southern  latitudes  in  the  spring,  as  far  as 
our  experience  extends,  seldom  produce  more 
than  five  separate  measures;  and  the  contrast  be- 
tween the  two  is  so  great  that  the  dullest  ear  can 
appreciate  it  with  facility. 

The  eggs  are  a  dingy  white,  and  marked  with 
ferruginous  and  light  purple  blotches  equally  dif- 
fused over  the  entire  surface.  In  some  specimens 
these  markings  are  so  numerous  as  to  conceal  the 
ground-color;  in  others,  they  are  irregularly  scat- 
tered, leaving  spaces  unmarked.  They  measure 
.81  of  an  inch  in  length,  and  .59  in  breadth. 

Junco  hy emails,  Sclater. 
The  Snow  Bird  driven  from  its  northern  home 


292  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

by  the  necessity  of  food,  mainly  makes  its  appear- 
ance with  the  snow,  or  a  few  days  anterior  to  its 
advent.  Its  coming  is  unattended  with  any  de- 
monstration. Silently  it  arrives  and  as  quietly 
retires.  We  have  occasionally  discovered  its  pres- 
ence as  early  as  the  i5th  of  October,  when  the 
weather  has  been  unusually  severe,  but  its  arrival  is 
most  generally  in  the  month  of  November. 

During  the  early  part  of  its  stay  it  frequents 
low  meadows,  open  fields,  and  the  borders  of 
forests.  But  when  the  weather,  becomes  more 
rigorous  and  the  ground  is  covered  with  snow, 
impelled  by  hunger  it  seeks  the  abodes  of  man, 
when  it  becomes  extremely  familiar  and  obtrusive, 
and  our  yards  and  gardens  are  places  of  daily  visita- 
tions for  the  crumbs  and  scraps  which  are  thrown 
away  by  the  cook.  It  becomes  on  familiar  terms 
with  the  poultry  and  share  their  cracked  corn  £iid 
broom-seed.  During  the  autumnal  months  the 
berries  of  Juni penis  Virginiana>  Viburnum  Lcn- 
tago,  and  seeds  of  Ambrosia  artemisicefolia^  Cheno- 
podium  album,  C.  anthclminticum,  Panicum,  Aira, 
Calamagrostis,  are  favorite  articles  of.  diet. 
Whereas  in  the  winter  it  has  a  decided  preference 
for  the  seeds  of  Amarantus  albus,  A.  paniculatus 
Chenopodium  albtun^nd.  Raphamts  sativus  ;  and  the 
eggs  and  imagos  of  Cratonychus  cinereus,  C.  per- 
tinax,  and  other  beetles.  During  its  vernal  stay 
it  devours  with  seeming  relish  the  stamens  and 
pistils  of  Acer  rubrum,  A.  saccharinum,  and  others. 
An  examination  of  the  stomachs  of  several  individ- 


OF  EASTERN   PENNSYLVANIA, 


293 


uals  showed  besides  small  stones  and  seeds,  entire 
specimens  of  Formica  sanguined  and  fragments  of 
Harpalus  pensylvanicus,  H.  compar,  Cratonychus 
cinereus,  Bostrichus  pini,  Casnonia  pennsylvanica, 
and  Haltica  chalybea. 

The  flight  of  this  species  is  low,  undulating,  and 
moderately  rapid.  When  gleaning  for  food  it  is 
chiefly  terrestrial,  seldom  visiting  the  tall  tree-tops, 
but  preferring  small  trees  and  bushes  to  the  latter. 
While  thus  employed  it  will  permit  the  nearest 
approach  without  taking  to  wing.  The  rustling  of 
the  leaves  will  infuse  a  momentary  fear,  when  the 
flock,  for  the  species  is  eminently  gregarious,  will 
instantly  leave  but  to  return  quickly,  on  the  sub- 
sidence of  the  noise,  to  the  identical  spot  where  it 
soon  becomes  busy  again  as  though  nothing  had 
occurred. 

Its  chief  note  in  the  winter  is  a  low  tslc,  pro- 
nounced rather  quickly  in  the  intervals  of  feeding. 
When  spring  opens,  it  again  seeks  the  retirement 
of  open  fields  and  the  borders  of  forests.  It  now 
becomes  less  tame  and  friendly,  but  appears  at 
the  same  time  one  of  the  most  active  and  the  hap- 
piest of  the  feathered  creation;  alighting  upon  a 
tree  or  bush  it  chants  a  sprightly  air  and  is  soon 
off  to  repeat  the  same  elsewhere.  Both  song  and 
movements  recall  to  memory  our  ordinary  Cicada 
canicularis.  In  syllabic  language  it  may  be  quite 
accurately  represented  by  twe-twe-twe-ah-twececee- 
d/i,  commencing  in  a  medium  key  and  increasing 
gradually  in  pitch.  Accentuation  is  sharp  and  the 


294  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

movement  allegro  moderate.  It  resembles  in  part 
the  song  of  Spizella  pusilla,  but  is  neither  so  loud 
nor  sustained. 

At  the  time  of  writing,  June  23,  1875,  these  birds 
are  as  seemingly  abundant  as  during  the  winter, 
and  manifest  considerable  activity  .and  vivacity. 
Their  long  stay  is  certainly  due  to  the  lateness  and 
backwardness  of  the  season.  Their  late  departure 
would  seem  to  indicate  that  their  breeding-quarters 
cannot  be  far  away.  It  is  probable  that  these  late 
sojourners  repair  to  the  nearest  mountains  for 
nidificating  purposes.  Indeed,  we  are  led  to  this 
opinion  from  the  following  consideration.  The 
appearance  of  a  few  mild  days  in  April  has  been 
signalized  by  their  complete  abandonment  of  ac- 
customed haunts;  but  let  those  days  be  followed 
by  others  of  low  temperature,  and  they  are  speed- 
ily ushered  into  our  presence,  which  could  not 
happen  did  they  come  from  places  very  remote. 
Were  our  mountains  more  thoroughly  explored 
by. persons  interested  in  ornithological  pursuits, 
new  facts  would  be  brought  to  light  of  which  we 
now  have  no  adequate  conception.  To  unscien- 
tific persons,  the  breeding  of  so  common  a  species 
as  the  one  under  consideration,  would  attract  but 
little  notice. 

This  species  nests  as  far  south  as  Virginia  in 
mountainous  regions,  thence  to  New  York,  the 
northern  portions  of  the  New  England  States, 
nidificating  only  in  highlands,  but  coming  down  to 
the  plains  gradually  as  we  proceed  in  a  northern 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  295 

direction.  According  to  Mr.  Kennicott  few  birds 
were  found  by  him  breeding-  as  far  south  as  Fort 
Resolution,  but  were  discovered  nesting  rather 
abundantly  about  the  65°  of  latitude.  Mr.  Mac- 
Farlane  found  them  in  great  numbers  breeding  on 
the  borders  of  the  barren-ground  region  along 
the  Anderson  river.  The  nests  discovered  by 
him  were  all  on  the  ground  and  hidden  by  dry 
leaves,  tufts  of  grasses,  and  projecting  roots,  in 
dense  woods  or  in  open  grounds.  Dr.  Brewer 
says  that  it  breeds  more  or  less  abundantly  in 
nothern  and  eastern  parts  of  Maine,  and  through- 
out New  Brunswick  and  Nova  Scotia,  and  especially 
at  Pictou,  where  it  was  observed  in  repeated  in- 
stances to  nidificate  within  out-houses.  "In  a 
woodshed  connected  with  the  dwelling  of  Mr. 
Dawson,"  he  saw  several  nests  "built  within  reach 
of  the  hand,  and  in  places  where  the  family  were 
passing  and  repassing  throughout  the  day."  The 
last  mentione4  writer  says  on  his  way  from  Hali- 
fax to  Pictou  he  found  them  "breeding  by  the 
roadside  often  under  the  shelter  of  a  projecting 
bank  in  the  manner  of  the  Passercuhis  savanna!' 
In  Western  Massachusetts  they  breed  in  all  parts 
of  the  Green  Mountain  range.  Wilson  met  them 
breeding  among  the  Alleghanies  in  Virginia,  and 
highlands  of  Pennsylvania  and  New  York.  In 
Otsego  County  in  the  latter  state,  and  especial!)' 
in  the  town  of  Otsego,  they  have  been  discovered 
breeding  in  great  numbers. 

According    to   Dr.    Brewer,    the    nest    of  this 


296  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF    BIRDS 

species  is  composed  externally  of  coarse  straws, 
fine  roots,  strips  of  bark,  and  horse-hair,  and  is 
lined  with  the  fur  of  small  animals  and  fine  mosses. 
It  has  an  external  diameter  of  four  and  a  half 
inches,  and  a  depth  of  two,  and  posseses  a  deep 
and  capacious  cavity  for  the  size  of  the  bird. 

The  eggs  are  described  by  the  same  authority, 
as  rounded-oval,  and  marked  with  reddish-brown 
spots  upon  a  creamish  yellowish-white  background, 
which  are  confluent  about  the  larger  portion  of  the 
egg,  but  seldom  covering  either  end.  They 
measure  .75  of  an  inch  in  length  and  60  in  breadth. 

Spizella  monticola,  Baird. 

The  Tree  Sparrow  in  some  sections  of  the 
country  is  a  very  common  winter  resident.  In 
Eastern  Pennsylvania  it  is  less  abundant  than 
Melospiza  melodia  which  is  our  commonest  species. 
In  small  numbers  it  consorts  with  the  Song  Spar- 
row and  Snow  Bird,  arriving  with  the  latter  and 
like  it  is  restricted  during  the  autumnal  months  to. 
open  fields  and  the  borders  of  thickets.  In  these 
situations  it  manifests  a  certain  degree  of  timidity, 
but  as  autumn  advances  into  winter  and  there  is 
a  growing  scarcity  of  food-stuffs,  it  covets  the  com- 
panionship of  man,  when  it  becomes  exceedingly 
tame  and  familiar,  even  venturing  into  outbuildings 
for  the  gratification  of  the  cravings  of  hunger. 

Its  food  consists  of  the  berries  of  Juniperus  Vir- 
giniana,  J.  communis,  Vibiwnum  Lentago,  Lonicera 
periclymenum,  and  the  seeds  of  divers  weeds  and 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  297 

grasses.  In  our  yards  the  crumbs  and  scraps  that 
are  wasted,  and  the  cracked  corn,  broom-seed, 
and  wheat-screenings  which  it  shares  with  the 
chickens.  In  the  u  spring  it  repairs  to  open  fields 
and  the  margins  of  forests  where  it  varies  some- 
what its  bill  of  fare.  Besides  the  seeds  of  grasses 
and  other  plants,  it  manifests  a  decided  partiality 
for  the  tender  buds,  and  the  stamens,  pistils,  and 
ovaries  of  blossoms.  The  flowers  of  Acer  rubrum 
are  particularly  chosen.  A  further  advance  in 
time  with  its  consequent  increase  of  sun-power,  is 
attended  by  a  development  of  insect-life  which 
contributes  an  essential  portion  to  its  diet.  We 
have  detected  remains  of  Cratonychus  cinereus,  C. 
pertinax,  Harpalus  pensylvanicus,  H.  compar, 
Musca  domestica,  Tabanus  lineola,  Formica  sangui- 
nea,  Casnonia  pennsylvanica,  Scarites  subterraneus , 
Lumbricus  terrestris,  &c,  in  many  stomach-examina- 
tions. 

The  flight  of  this  species  is  moderately  lofty  and 
performed  in  graceful  undulations.  When  not 
engaged  in  the  procurement  of  food  it  reposes 
upon  small  trees  and  shrubs,  never  seeking  for 
this  purpose  the  summits  of  larger  growths.  Its 
song  ordinarily  commences  during  the  first  week 
of  April,  and  for  fifteen  minutes  or  more  at  a  time, 
from  the  summit  of  a  small  tree  or  bush  it  is  heard 
with  scarce  an  intermission.  There  is  a  resemblance 
to  the  song  of  the  Field  Sparrow,  being,  however, 
sweeter  and  more  varied.  It  consists  of  a  repeti- 
tion of  a  simple  sound,  uttered  sharply  and  quickly, 


298  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

which  is  succeeded  by  a  very  fine  trill  pitched  in  a 
very  high  key,  and  sung  crescendo.  The  following 
syllables  will  give  an  approximate  idea  of  its  ex- 
pression \--tivea-twea-twe&-twlmlu-tmi  occasionally 
varied  by  iwl-twi-twl-tur-r-r-r,  twmnl-tiou.  Its 
ordinary  call  is  a  simple  twl  produced  at  irregular 
intervals. 

In  the  spring  it  deserts  our  yards  and  orchards, 
and  frequents  waste  grounds  and  the  borders  of 
open  fields  and  thickets,  where  it  prefers  a  life  of 
solitude.  It  now  discards  its  former  associates, 
and  higher  considerations  engross  its  mind  and 
attention. 

It  disappears  during  the  latter  part  of  April  for 
its  more  northern  habitat.  We  have  met  this 
species  in  all  the  months  except  July  and  August, 
and  are  certain  that  it  does  not  breed  within  the 
limits  of  Philadelphia.  The  Tree  Sparrow  breeds 
in  high  Arctic  regions.-  Mr.  Kennicott  found  its 
nest  on  the  Yukon;  Mr.  Dale  at  Nulata;  and  Mr. 
MacFarlane  in  vast  numbers  at  Fort  Anderson. 
According  to  the  last  authority  the  nests  are 
mostly  placed  upon  the  ground,  some  few  on  small 
bushes,  and  only  one  being  recorded  as  having 
been  placed  several  feet  above  it.  One  occupied 
the  cleft  of  a  low  willow,  another  was  placed 
within  a  bush  at  an  elevation  of  nearly  four  feet 
above  the  ground,  while  a  third  was  but  fourteen 
inches  above  the  ground  in  a  clump  of  willow.s; 
nearly  all  the  others  were  posited  directly  upon 
the  ground, 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  299 

The  nests  were  built  exteriorly  of  grasses  and 
dry  bark  loosely  aggregated,  and  warmly  lined 
with  feathers;  and  when  placed  upon  the  ground 
were  generally  hidden  within  a  tuft  of  grass.  The 
complement  of  eggs  varies;  the  usual  number 
being  four  or  five,  while  some  aests  contain  occa- 
sionally, six,  and  others,  seven.  The  duty  of  incu- 
bation apparently  devolves  upon  the  female,  her 
partner  as  in  the  case  with  others  which  we  have 
mentioned,  being  seldom  seen  in  the  immediate 
vicinity. 

The  eggs,  according  to  Dr.  Brewer,  are  a  light 
green,  freckled  with  fine  foxy-brown  markings 
which  are  uniformly  distributed,  but  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  leave  the  ground  distinctly  visible. 
They  measure  .85  of  an  inch  in  length  and  .65  in 
breadth,  and  are  much  larger  than  the  eggs  of  any 
other  species  of  Spizella. 

Spizella  socialis,  Baird. 

The  Chipping  Sparrow  so  familiar  to  all,  is  one 
of  our  most  abundant,  migrants.  Its  presence  is 
unnoticed  long  after  the  Song  and  Field  Sparrows 
have  made  the  fields  and  woods  vocal  with  their 
melodies.  It  arrives  in  our  midst  during  the  last 
week  of  April.  Unlike  its  near  relative  Spizella 
pusilla,  it  prefers  occupied  and  cultivated  grounds, 
rather  than  waste  fields  and  the  borders  of  thickets. 
It  is  a  cheerful  and  active  little  creature,  and  com- 
mends itself  to  our  favor  by  its  remarkable  tame- 
ness  and  sociability.  It  is  a  frequent  visitor  to 


3OO  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

our  door  for  crumbs,  and  when  the  latter  is 
thoughtlessly  left  open  it  enters  with  an  air  of  con- 
fidence, and  deliberately  sets  to  work,  even  while 
the  room  is  occupied  by  some  of  its  rightful 
tenants.  So  accustomed  does  it  become  to  man's 
society,  that  we  have  known  individuals  to  present 
themselves  regularly  thrice  a  day  for  food,  and 
even  to  accept  crumbs  from  the  hands  of  its  bene- 
factor. 

Its  flight  resembles  that  of  Spizclla  pusilla,  but 
is  less  elevated.  Its  movements  are  the  very 
impersonation  of  activity.  It  is  chiefly  to  be  found 
upon  small  trees  and  bushes,  when  not  foraging 
upon  the  ground  for  insect  and  vegetable  diet. 

The  food  of  this  species  consists  mainly 
during  the  spring  and  summer  months  of  the 
larvae  and  imagos  of  various  kinds  of  insects. 
The  following  list  embraces  the  most  important 
of  those  which  constitute  its  bill  of  fare: — Formica 
sanguined,  Musca  domestica,  Stomoxys  calcitrans, 
Harpalus  pensylvanicus,  larvae  of  Cratonychus  cine- 
reus,  and  caterpillars  of  Gdrtyna  zecz,  Anisopteryx 
vernata,  A.  pome  (ana,  Zerene  catenaria,  Ennomos 
subsignaria,  Choerodes  transversata,  Plusia  preca- 
tionis,  Pieris  rapce,  P.  brassiccz,  Colias  philodice, 
and  mature  forms  of  Spilosoma  Virginica,  Penthina 
pomonella,  Thccla  humuli,  Ctenucha  Virginica,  and 
many  of  the  Noctuidtz  and  Tineidce. 

The  song  is  but  a  monotonous  repetition  of  a 
single  syllable.  This  species  has  very  slender 
claims  to  be  reputed  as  one  of  our  songsters, 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  30! 

This  simple  and  unpretending  ditty,  throughout 
the  month  of  June,  is  kept  up  for  hours  together 
with  scarce  an  intermission.  The  note  of  complaint 
or  uneasiness  is  expressed  by  a  simple  chip  uttered 
rather  slowly  and  at  measured  intervals. 

Early  in  May,  say  about  the  I5th,  mating  com- 
mences; and  about  the  i8th  the  birds  are  ready 
to  commence  nest-building.  The  nest  is  generally 
placed  in  low  bushes,  and  but  occasionally  in  small 
trees.  A  suitable  site  having  been  selected,  both 
male  and  female  apply  themselves  assiduously  to 
the  work,  until  the  structure  is  finished,  which 
usually  requires  four  days.  Considerable  variation 
is  discernible  in  the  architecture  of  different  indi- 
viduals; some  nests  are  rudely  constructed  and 
are  so  exceedingly  loose  and  tenuous  as  to  be 
distinctly  seen  through;  while  others  have  much 
of  periphery  with  little  of  thickness  and  depth  of 
cavity.  A  typical  nest  is  beautifully  hemispherical 
in  configuration,  neatly  though  loosely  built,  and 
possesses  a  cavity  artistic  and  symmetrical  in  con- 
tour. Exteriorly,  it  is  composed,  unless  in  rare 
cases,  of  fine  rootlets,  and  is  lined  with  black  and 
white  horse-hairs.  In  a  beautiful  domicile  before 
us,  very  few  roots  are  discernible;  the  bulk  of  the 
nest  being  composed  of  horse-hairs,  densely  and 
compactly  interwoven,  and  covered  exteriorly  with 
a  few  twigs  and  lint.  Again,  we  have  nests  which 
are  made  entirely  of  fine  rootlets.  A  curious 
anomaly  is  sometimes  met  with  in  nest-building. 
When  a  nest  is  placed  in  a  thicket  of  bushes  and 


3O2  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   BIRDS 

well  secured  laterally  by  enveloping  leaves  and 
twigs,  it  is  slightly  inclined  in  position,  and  bears 
a  circular  aperture  sufficiently  capacious  for  the 
passage  of  the  bird's  body.  This  opening  is 
located  in  the  superior  third  of  the  nest.  When 
the  bird  is  in  position  its  bill  projects  through  the 
aperture.  It  is  obvious  that  the  position  of  the 
nest  is  designed  by  its  authors  to  afford  the  re- 
quisite protection  to  the  female  and  young  during 
inclement  weather;  this  inclination  causing  one 
side  to  serve  as  a  roof.  The  angle  which  the  nest 
makes  with  the  supporting  surfaces  is  about  45°. 

One  of  the  most  curious  exceptions  to  the 
normal  type  of  nests,  was  noticed  by  us  in  the 
spring  of  1870,  in  Northumberland  Co.,  Pa.  This 
nest  was  located  upon  a  small  bush,  at  a  slight 
elevation  above  the  ground.  It  is  composed,  ex- 
ternally, of  small  branchlets  of  Draba  with  seed- 
vessels  attached,  a  few  rootlets,  and  is  lined  with 
white  horse-hairs.  It  has  a  diameter  of  nearly 
four  inches,  and  a  thickness  of  three  and  a  half 
inches.  The  diameter  of  the  cavity  at  the  margin 
is  two  inches,  and  the  depth  nearly  two  inches. 
It  is  a  magnificent  structure,  thickly  and  firmly 
woven,  and  hemispherical  in  contour. 

The  differences  just  noticed  in  nidification,  are 
doubtless  due  to  the  skill  of  the  architects.  As 
remarked  previously,  birds  like  men,  have  their 
skilful  as  well  as  unskilful  mechanics.  The  latter 
embrace  besides  the  talentless,  the  immature  and 
inexperienced. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  303 

The  period  of  time  devoted  to  nest-building 
depends  materially  upon  the  style  of  the  nest  and 
the  character  of  the  builders.  The  nest  being 
completed,  oviposition  commences  the  following 
day,  and  proceeds  at  the  rate  of  one  egg  per  day, 
and  lasts  from  four  to  five  days.  Incubation 
ensues  the  succeeding  day,  and  continues  for  ten 
days;  the  male  occasionally  relieving  his  mate; 
but  the  chief  part  of  the  responsibility  devolves 
upon  her.  Whilst  the  female  is  thus  occupied, 
the  male  carefully  attends  to  her  wants. 

These  Sparrows  are  devoted  parents,  expressing 
considerable  anxiety  when  their  nests  and  young 
are  interfered  with.  The  young  are  fed  with  the 
larvax  of  small  insects  chiefly  of  a  lepidopterous 
character.  Various  cliptera  and  coleoptera,  consti- 
tute a  meagre  portion  of  their  diet;  but  the  cater- 
pillars of  Anisopteryx  vernata^A.poinctaria^  Zercne 
catcnaria,  Ennomos  subsignaria,  are  devoured  in 
prodigous  numbers,  besides  those  of  Picris  rap<z, 
Colias  p/iilodice,  Asopia  costalis,  Gortyna  zecz, 
Plusia  precationis,  A  gratis  tessellata,  Ctenucha  Vir- 
ginica,  and  mature  forms  of  Musca  domestica, 
Tabanus  lineola,  Stomoxys  calcitrans,  and  earth- 
worms, aphides,  ants,  and  mosquitos. 

In  about  twelve  days  the  young  are  able  to  leave 
the  nest,  and  in  eight  or  nine  days  more,  are  suf- 
ficiently matured  to  look  after  their  own  welfare; 
they  still,  however,  consort  with  their  parents,  and 
both  young  and  old  forage  together.  In  this  lati- 
tude there  is  only  a  single  brood  in  a  season. 


304  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

During  the  months  of  August  and  September, 
in  conjunction  with  the  above  insects,  the  seeds  of 
various  species  of  grasses,  weeds,  and  berries, 
occasionally,  are  greedily  devoured.  Prominent 
among  these  are  the  seeds  of  Amarantus  albus, 
A.  pardculatus,  Ambsosia  artemisitefolia,  CJienopo- 
dium  alburn^  Raphanus  sativus,  Panicum  Crus- 
galli,  Phleum  prcetense,  Juniperus  Virginiana,  &c. 

In  the  autumn  these  Sparows  are  gregarious, 
and  as  early  in  the  season,  confine  themselves  to 
cultivated  fields  and  occupied  grounds.  These 
flocks  are  ordinarily  small,  and,  doubtless,  consist 
of  members  of  one  family.  Their  migration  for 
the  South  depends  in  a  great  measure  upon 
climatic  influences,  and  ordinarily  happens  early  in 
October. 

The  eggs  of  this  species  are  oblong-oval,  bluish- 
green,  and  spotted  slightly  about  the  larger  end 
with  umber  and  dark  brown  markings.  They 
average  .72  of  an  inch  in  length  and  .54  in  breadth. 

Spizclla  pusilhi,  Bonap. 

The  Field  Sparrow  arrives  in  Eastern  Pennsyl- 
vania usually  from  the  first  to  the  tenth  of  April, 
and  is  found  chiefly  in  open  pastures,  old  fields, 
Clearings  remote  from  villages,  and  occasionally 
in  cultivated  grounds  about  our  buildings,  where 
it  becomes  quite  tame  and  unsuspicious.  In  open 
grounds  it  manifests  no  little  shyness.  It  congre- 
gates in  small  flocks  for  a  short  time  after  its 
arrival,  and  also  in  the  autumn  before  it  takes  its 
departure. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  30  j 

Its  flight  is  low  and  in  graceful  undulations.  In 
the  procurement  of  food  it  is  chiefly  terrestrial.  It 
is  occasionally  found  upon  small  trees  and  bushes 
in  quest  of  larval  insects.  Its  bill  of  fare  is  both 
vegetal  and  animal.  Among  insects  we  have  met 
with  evident  traces  of  Cmionychus  cinereus,  Har- 
palus  compar,  Casnonia  psnnsylvanica,  Formica 
sanguined,  Tab  anus  Huso! a,  Tipuhi  fcrruginea, 
Culex  tceniorhynchus,  in  our  stomach-examinations. 
During  the  breeding-season  it  subsists  upon  and 
feeds  to  its  young  the; larvae  of  Anisopteryx  vcr- 
naia,  A.  pomziaria,  Zzrciij  caicnxria,  Einiomos  sub- 
signaria,  Hybcniia  tiliaria,  Eufitchia  ribcaria, 
Chozrodes  transversata,  Lozot<znia  rosaceana,  Lima- 
codzs  scapha,  Pieris  rap&,  Gortyna  ze<z,  Utetheisa 
bella,  Thecla  huniidi,  Halcsidota  tessellaris,  besides 
aphides  and  micro-lepidoptera.  In  the  autumn  the 
seeds  of  Amarantus  albus,  A.  hybridus,  A.  panicu- 
latus,  Chsnopodium  album,  Ambrosia  artemisice- 
folia,  and  many  graminaceous  plants  as  Phleum 
prcetense,  Panicum  Crus-galli,  P.  capillare,  Poa 
annua,  and  Raphanus  sativus,  the  cultivated  salad, 
and  others. The  berries  of  Juniperus  Virginiana, 
Fmgaria  Virginica,  and  several  species  of;  Rnbus 
and  Ribes. 

The  song  of  this  sparrow  is  quite  varied  and 
fine.  Its  notes  are  not  powerful  and  cannot  be 
heard  at  a  great  distance,  but  are  nevertheless 
quite  pleasing.  It  continues  in  the  full  vigor  of 
song  while  the  second  brood  is  hatching,  when  it 
relaxes  but  does  not  altogether  cease  until  its  de- 

T 


306  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

parture  in  September  or  October.  At- noonday 
when  most  other  songsters  are  silent,  its  song  is 
occasionally  heard.  The  following  expresses  quite 
accurately  its  ordinary  ditty: — tiviiii.  This  is 
uttered  sharply  and  with  a  gradually  increasing 
intonation. 

The  Field  Sparrow  nests  both  on  the  ground 
and  in  low  bushes.  The  site  of  its  nest  seems  to 
depend  upon  its  environment.  In  low  grounds 
and  in  marshes,  bushes  are  usually  chosen;  whereas 
in  elevated  regions,  the  nest  is  placed  upon  the 
ground  in  the  midst  of  tall  grasses.  It  is  a  happy 
foresight  that  enables  a  species  to  regulate  its 
habits  in  correspondence  with  changes  in  its  sur- 
roundings. Nests  which  are  built  uponv  the 
ground,  are  more  loosely  arranged  than  those 
placed  within  bushes  which  are  more  carefully  and 
neatly  constructed.  There  is  a  very  close  resem- 
blance in  some  structural  parts  to  the  nest  of 
Melospiza  melodia,  but  very  little  similarity  to  that 
of  Spizella  social  is. 

Nidification  begins  about  the  middle  of  May, 
about  four  days  after  mating,  and  is  entered  into 
with  considerable  diligence  by  both  birds.  At  least 
three  days  are  devoted  to  the  labor.  Oviposition 
follows  on  the  ensuing  clay,  and  lasts  from  four  to 
five  days,  according  to  the  complement  of  eggs 
deposited.  Incubation  commences  on  the  day 
following  the  deposition  of  the  last  egg,  and  con- 
tinues during  a  period  of  10  days. 

While  the  female  is    thus    engaged,  the  male 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  307 

when  not  administering  to  her  wants  is  ever  on 
the  alert  for  intruders.  His  affection  for  his  mate 
and  young  is  so  strong,  that  he  will  even  risk  his 
own  life  in  their  behalf.  During  incubation  he 
occasionally  relieves  his  partner. 

When  the  young  are  hatched  they  are  alternately 
fed  by  the  parents  upon  the  larvae  of  various  kinds 
of  insects,  particularly  upon  the  caterpillars  of 
Anisopteryx  vernata,  A.  fomctaria,  Zercne  catena- 
ria,  Gortyna  zecz,  Pieris  rapcc,  Colias  pkilodice,  En- 
nomjs  subsigmwia,  Chcerodes  transvcrsata,  Hyber- 
nia  tiliaria,  besides  earthworms,  Aphis  rjs&,  A. 
mali,  and  the  common  house-fly. 

The  young  leave  the  nest  in  about  1 2  days  after 
being  hatched,  and  in  eight  or  nine  days  more, 
are  fitted  to  take  care  of  themselves,  which  is 
usually  the  case  during  the  last  of  June  or  the 
beginning  of  July.  The  parents  now  busy  them- 
selves about  a  second  brood  which  is  also  matured 
in  due  time. 

A  normal  nest  is  composed  externally  of  weeds 
and  grasses,  loosely  aggregated  and  adjusted  so 
as  to  project  beyond  the  rim,  which,  as  Dr.  Brewer 
says,  gives  it  the  appearance  "of  an  enclosure  of 
palisades."  The  interior  is  lined  with  horse-hairs. 
It  has  a  diameter  of  six  inches  and  a  depth  of 
three  inches.  The  mouth  at  the  margin  is  two 
and  a  half  inches  wide,  and  the  cavity  has  a  depth 
of  one  and  three-quarter  inches.  Nests  built 
within  bushes  are  composed  of  similar  materials,  and 
are  of  a  more  rigid  character  and  closer  texture. 


308  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

A  beautiful  fabric  before  us  is  deserving  of  a  pass- 
ing notice.  Its  base  and  the  greater  part  of  its 
periphery  are  constituted  almost  exclusively  of 
floriferous  stems  with  dried  flowers  intact,  of  Tri- 
folium  repens,  which  are  rather  compactly  adjusted, 
and  cause  the  nest  to  resemble,  externally,  the 
typical  structure  just  described,  with  this  unim- 
portant difference,  that  the  palisade-like  arrange- 
ment is  restricted  entirely  to  the  inferior  two-thirds 
of  the  nest,  while  the  remainder  is  rather  neatly 
composed  of  the  flexible  culms  of  grasses,  and  the 
inner  bark  of  Quercus  rubra  interwoven  so  as  to 
present  a  rounded  edge  interiorly.  The  inside  is 
very  uniformly  lined  with  black  horse-hairs,  ex- 
clusively. 

The  eggs  are  oblong-oval,  and  marked  with 
ferruginous-brown  upon  a  whiteish  clay-color, 
which  in  some  specimens  are  arranged  about  the 
larger  extremity;  and  in  others  are  so  diffused  as 
to  impart  a  rusty  color  to  the  entire  egg.  They 
measure  .70  by  .51  of  an  inch. 

ZonotricJiia  albicollis,  Bonap. 

The  White- throated  Sparrow  has  proved  itself 
to  be  a  not  very  abundant  species  in  Eastern 
Pennsylvania  during  its  winter  stay.  It  makes  its 
appearance  about  the  2oth  of  April,  and  is  always 
to  be  found  in  company  with  leucophrys.  It  fre- 
quents low,  damp  woods,  in  rather  retired  situa- 
tions. Like  the  latter  it  is  rather  tame,  and  can 
be  approached  with  considerable  ease.  Its  general 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA,  309 

habits  are  like  this  species,  and  although  not 
strictly  terrestrial,  it  seldom  perches  high  upon 
trees,  and  ordinarily  flies  very  low,  except  in  its 
protracted  migratory  flights. 

Its  song  is  a  loud,  distinct,  and  prolonged 
whistle,  and  consists  of  twelve  separate  notes,  re- 
peated without  variation  from  early  morning  until 
late  in  the  evening,  and  becoming  quite  monoto- 
nous. 

During  its  sojourn  which  lasts  until  the  2oth  of 
May,  it  feeds  upon  the  seeds  of  grasses  and  weeds, 
and  upon  various  coleopterous  insects  which  it  is 
enabled  to  procure  in  its  accustomed  haunts. 
Among  the  former  we  have  detected  seeds  of 
Amarantus  hybridus,A.  albits,  Chenopodium  album , 
Wh&  Ambrosia  artemisicefolia  ;  and  among  the  latter, 
remains  of  Harpalus  pensylvanicus,  H.  'compar, 
Scarites  subterraneus,  Platynus  cupripennis,  Donacia 
metallica,  Haltica  chalybea,  and  Cratonyclms  cine- 
reus;  besides  Formica  sanguined,  earthworms  and 
diptera.  The  buds  of  Acer  ritbrum,  A.  sacchari- 
nwn  are  eaten,  together  with  the  stamens  and 
pistils  of  the  same  in  expanded  specimens. 

An  experience  of  several  years  has  convinced 
us  that  none  remain  to  breed.  According  to  Dr. 
Brewer  a  few  breed  in  favorable  situations  in  ex- 
treme northwestern  parts  of  Massachusetts,  and 
quite  abundantly  in  New  Hampshire,  Vermont, 
and  Maine,  and  in  all  the  British  Provinces.  Sir 
John  Richardson  discovered  a  nest  near  the  Cum- 
berland House  on  the  Saskatchewan  river,  as 


3IO  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

early  as  June  4,  which  was  built  of  grass  and  lined 
with  a  few  feathers  and  deer's  hair.  It  was  placed 
under  a  fallen  tree.  Another  was  found  at  Great 
Bear's  Lake,  which  was  lined  with  the  setcz  of 
Brymm  uliginosum.  Mr.  Kennicott  found  it  breed- 
ing on  the  southern  shores  of  Slave  Lake,  and 
also  on  English  river.  Dr.  Brewer  has  met  with 
its  nests  repeatedly  among  the  White  Mountains, 
placed  invariably  upon  the  ground,  sheltered  by 
grasses,  at  the  foot  of  a  bush  or  tree,  or  under  a 
fallen  log  in  a  thicket.  There  the  species  was 
exceedingly  shy  and  distrustful,  and  never  found 
nesting  in  cultivated  fields  or  by  the  side  of  human 
dwellings.  At  Halifax  they  were  discovered 
breeding  in  gardens  close  to  houses,  with  the  ap- 
parent familiarity  of  the  Song  Sparrow. 

The-  nest  of  this  species  is  invariably  placed 
upon  the  ground,  but  in  various  places;  on  a 
hillside  at  the "  base  of  a  tree,  in  a  swampy  woods 
within  low  underbrush,  by  the  margin  of  a  pond, 
or  in  a  hollow  stump.  It  is  large,  deep,  and  capa- 
cious, and  consists  of  a  basis  of  coarse  grasses  and 
mosses  with  finer  stems  above,  and  is  lined  with 
soft  grasses,  fine  plant-rootlets,  feathers,  and  hair. 

These  Sparrows  winter  in  South  Carolina  and 
Louisiana,  and  constitute  groups -of  fifties  which 
live  together  in  perfect  harmony  and  subsist  upon 
divers  seeds. 

The  eggs  are  from  four  to  seven  in  number, 
greenish-white,  and  are  marked  \vith  ferruginous 
brown  spots  over  the  entire  surface,  generally  so 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  3  I  I 


abundant  as  to  conceal   the  whole  e^<j,  through 

OO'  O 

which  the  normal  color  is  scarcely  distinguishable. 
They  measure  .90  of  an  inch  in  length  and  .68 
in  breadth. 

Zonotrichia  leucophrys,  Swainson. 

The  White-crowned  Sparrow  is  always  observed 
within  the  limits  of  Philadelphia  throughout  the 
winter  in  well-wooded  and  sheltered  localities. 
From  the  2Oth  of  April  to  the  middle  of  May  it 
congregates  in  flocks  of  a  dozen  or  more.  It 
delights  mainly  in  the  borders  of  thickets,  and 
waste  grounds.  Whilst  writing,  May  4,  vast  num- 
bers are  daily  observed  within  our  gardens  and 
the  adjoining  fields.  Wherever  found,  remarkable 
tameness  and  lack  of  timidity  characterize  it. 

In  open  grounds  this  Sparrow  is  peculiarly  gre- 
garious, whereas  in  secluded  situations  a  solitary 
existence  seems  to  be  preferable.'  Much  of  its 
time  is  spent  on  the  ground  in  searching  for  food; 
but  when  not  thus  occupied,  it  perches  upon  small 
trees  and  shrubs,  never  visiting  tall  trees.  It 
associates  with  albicollis,  but  generally  discards 
the  society  of  our  smaller  sparrows.  Its  resem- 
blance to  albicollis  is  so  close,  as  to  be  clearly 
undistinguishable  at  a  short  distance. 

Its  flight  is  low,  undulating,  and  but  slightly 
sustained,  except  during  its  migratory  trip.  When 
alarmed  whilst  feeding,  it  flies  to  a  short  distance 
but  as  quickly  returns  to  the  identical  spot  when 
the  danger  has  passed.  In  wooded  regions,  how- 


312  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF    BIRDS 

ever,  it  merely  seeks  safety  by  hopping  rapidly 
into  the  adjoining  bushes. 

The  food  of  this  species  consists  chiefly  of  in- 
sects, berries,  and  seeds  of  divers  plant-species. 
Whilst  a  resident  of  thickets,  it  delights  in  the 
shade  of  Abies  canadensis,  where  it  discovers  a 
full  and  ready  supply  of  food  in  the  shape  of  seeds 
which  have  dropped  from  trees  of  mature  growth. 
The  seeds -of  various  species  of  Panicum,  Air  a, 
and  other  graminaceous  plants,  together  with 
those  of  Ambrosia  arlcmisiczfolia,  Amaranlus  hy- 
bridus,  A.  albus,  and  the  berries  of  Juniperus  Vir- 
giniana.  The  crumbs  and  scraps  which  have  been 
thrown  out  by  the  cook,  and  the  cracked  corn  and 
broom-seed  which  are  fed  to  the  chickens,  are  also 
eagerly  devoured  in  their  frequent  visits  to  our 
yards  and  gardens.  We  have  defected  in  the 
many  stomachs  which  we  have  examined,  Formica 
sanguinca,  Harpalus  com  par ,  II.  pensylvaniciis, 
Casnonia  pcnnsylvanica,  Scarites  subierfaneus, 
Rhynchcenus  pini,  Cr atony chus  cincreus,  C.pertinax, 
Pangus  caligmosus,  Lachnostcrna  quercina,  and 
Lumbricus  terrcstris. 

This  bird  is  a  silent  feeder.  When  perched, 
however,  it  utters  a  low,  simple  call  which  sounds 
like  tsi,  and  which  can  be  heard  at  a  very  $hort 
distance.  Its  song  which  is  heard  at  intervals 
from  early  morning  until  night,  is  a  mellow  whistle 
which  consists  of  two  long-drawn  syllables  uttered 
with  a  rising  intonation,  and  succeeded  by  five 
others  repeated  rather  quickly  and  with  a  falling 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  313 

cadence.  It  can  be  quite  accurately  expressed  by 
pec-dee-dee-dee-dee-dec-dee.  When  interrupted  by 
the  presence  of  human  intruders,  it  ceases  imme- 
diately, and  only  resumes  its  ditty  when  the  inter- 
ference has  vanished.  While  thus  engaged  it 
perches  upon  the  extremity  of  a  branch  of  a  small 
tree,  or  the  summit  of  a  low  bush,  and  pours  forth 
its  melodies  at  graduated  intervals. 

This  species  does  not  breed  in  Eastern  Penn- 
sylvania, as  its  presence  is  never  observed  after 
the  middle  of  May.  After  the  breeding-period  is 
over  it  returns  during  the  last  of  September  or 
the  beginning  of  October,  and  confines  itself  to 
waste  fields  and  the  borders  of  forests,  where  it 
congregates  in  small  flocks  until  ready  to  assume 
its  southern  journey.  Though  tolerably  abundant 
at  this  season,  yet  a  few  remain  to  spend  the 
winter,  and  are  chiefly  found  in  low  grounds  where 
there  is  a  dense  growth  of  coniferous  trees  which 
afford  the  requisite  shelter. 

In  Labrador,  according  to  Mr.  Audubon,  this 
bird  is  abundant  and  quite  a  late  breeder.  He 
/ecords  finding  a  nest  as  late  as  July  6,  which  was 
placed  among  the  moss  at  the  base  of  a  low  fir, 
and  was  composed  of  matted  bunches  of  dry 
hypnum  mosses,  externally;  and,  internally,  of  fine 
grasses  neatly  arranged  to  a  thickness  of  one-half 
inch,  and  lined  with  the  yellow  fibrous  roots  of 
Coptis  trifolia.  It  was  five  inches  in  diameter  and 
two  in  depth,  with  a  cavity  two  and  a  quarter 
inches  wide  and  one  and  three-quarters  in  depth. 


LIFE-HISTORIES   OF    BIRDS 

Dr.  Coues  states  that  it  affects  a  fondness  for  deep, 
thickly-wooded,  and  sequestered  ravines,  en- 
veloped by  lofty,  precipitous  cliffs;  and  in  less 
secluded  places  restricting  itself  to  patches  of 
scrubby  firs  and  juniper. 

Whilst  the  female  is  engaged  in  incubation,  her 

o    o 

partner  ascends  the  summit  of  a  cliff,  or  neighbor- 
ing clell,  and  pours  forth  his  pleasing  but  some- 
what monotonous  ditty,  for  the  space  of  several 
minutes.  When  the  nest  is  disturbed,  the  female 
flutters  away  silently,  while  the  male-bird  utters  ayn 
angry  remonstrance  and  manifests  his  indignation 
in  an  energetic  manner  by  jerking  his  body  and 
flirting  his  tail.  The  nest  is  located  upon  the 
ground  in  dry  places,  generally  amid  patches  of 
low  heath. 

•  The  eggs  are  oblong  oval,  and  densely  marked 
with  reddish-brown,  and  obscure  purplish-brown 
markings  upon  a  light  greenish-white  background, 
which  are  principally  arranged  about  the  larger 
extremity.  The  average  length  is  .93  of  an  inch 
and  breadth  .70. 

Passer  domes ticus,  Degland  &  Gerbe. 

This  little  Sparrow  of  foreign  extraction,  bids 
fare  to  become  one  of  our  commonest  species. 
But  a  few  years  have  elapsed  since  its  first  intro- 
duction in  this  city,  yet,  it  has,  with  remarkable 
rapidity  spread  beyond  the  municipal  limits;  and 
in  some  rural  districts  has  grown  to  be  the 
principal  species.  In  sections  where  our  native 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  315 

sparrows,  bluebirds,  and  robins  were  wont  to 
build,  we  no  longer  behold  their  agreeable  pres- 
ence as  of  yore.  To  be  sure  there  are  places 
where  these  latter  breed  as  freely  as  formerly,  but 
they  are  merely  found  in  localities  in  which  the 
quiet  and  harmony  have  not  been  disarranged  by 
the  subject  of  the  present  sketch. 

This  species  is  exceedingly  tame  and  unsuspi- 
cious, and  delights  to  nidificate  in  close  proximity 
to  houses.  While  thus  manifesting  considerable 
confidence  in  man,  it  is  possessed  of  so  many  un- 
enviable traits  as  not  to  command  his  esteem  and 
favor.  Its  pugnacity  detracts  much  from  its  gen- 
eral behavior.  It  lays  claim  to  a  particular  place 
to  the  exclusion  of  the  rightful  proprietors,  and 
prepares  to  defend  it  at  all  hazards.  What  indivi- 
dual strength  fails  to  accomplish,  is  brought  about 
by  combination,  for  in  union  there  is  power.  Many 
of  our  most  useful  birds  are  objects  of  its  unpro- 
voked vengeance,  and  unable  to  cope  with  prodi- 
gious numbers,  are  forced  to  forsake  the  scenes 
of  past  associations  and  joys  for  less  congenial 
places.  Many  of  the  lawns  and  groves  which  sur- 
round the  residences  of  opulence,  which  once  rang 
with  merry  songs  of  the  robin,  bluebird,  and  song 
sparrow,  now  resound  with  the  harsh  and  inhar- 
monious voices  of  this  species. 

The  bird  deserves  our  detestation  for  other 
reasons  than  those  just  enumerated.  Our  own 
experience  as  well  as  that  of  many  friends,  most 
conclusively  prove  its  power  of  destructibility.  It 


31  6  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF    BIRDS 

has  received  its  full  share  of  praise  from  casual 
observers,  but  we  confessedly  cannot  bear  the 
best  of  testimony  to  its  usefulness;  and  as  it  is  not 
as  destructive  to  obnoxious  insects  as  the  most  of 
our  smaller  birds,  its  presence  is  not  necessary.  It 
is  true  that  during  the  breeding-season  it  destroys 
many  caterpillars  for  the  support  of  its  young,  but 
this  good  is  more  than  outweighed  by  the  mischief 
which  it  commits.  Its  seeming  hate  of  our  own 
birds,  combined  with  the  depredations  which  are 
perpetrated  upon  the  tender  buds  of  herbaceous 
plants,  shrubs,  and  trees;  the  wholesale  destruc- 
tion of  the  blossoms  of  the  apple,  pear,  and  cherry, 
and  the  fruits  of  the  same  in  the  spring,  with  the 
wanton  devastation  which  it  commits  upon  the 
vines  when  the  grapes  are  mellowing,  are  power- 
ful incentives  for  those  who  have  suffered  from 
their  ravages,  to  urge  the  authorities  to  colonize 
and  send  them  back  to  England  [where  the 
peasantry  are  paid  for  potting  them  into  sparrow- 
pies.  They  are  always  feeding,  but  unlike  most 
species  grow  corpulent  upon  what  they  pilfer,  and 
'thus  set  the  unwholesome  example  of  consuming 
what  they  do  not  earn. 

By  Dr.  Brewer  it  has  been  affirmed  that  the 
male  birds  are  only  pugnacious  when  actuated  by 
amatory  influences.  Our  experience  during  the 
past  season  shows  that  the  same  ugly  spirit  is 
manifested  even  at  other  periods.  On  our  premi- 
ses the  birds  are  so  numerous  and  so  daring,  that 
they  will  assemble  in  the  poultry-yard  while  the 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  317 

fowls  are  being  fed  and  deliberately  cheat  them 
out  of  their  proper  allowances.  Our  smaller  winter 
residents  are  compelled  to  keep  at  a  wary  dis- 
tance, and  only  venture  to  peck  a  few  grains 
during  the  temporary  absence  of  the  sparrows. 
In  early  spring  Passerella  iliaca  occasionally  fre- 
quents similar  situations,  and  although  a  rather 
large  bird,  is  compelled  to  give  way  before  the 
pugnacious  little  creatures. 

Its  food  is  chiefly  obtained  upon  the  ground,  but 
occasionally  it  visits  small  trees  and  shrubs  to 
procure  it.  In  the  winter  it  derives  a  rather  pre- 
carious subsistence  from  the  seeds  of  our  com- 
monest \veeds  and  grasses;  and  the  crumb,  and 
scraps  which  it  finds  about  our  doors.  It  is  not  at 
all  fastidious  in  its  appetite.  Within  city  limits 
numbers  maybe  seen  in  our  principal  thorough- 
fares, searching  within  the  excrement  of  horses 
for  whatever  of  nutrient  qualities  may  be  found 
therein.  The  principal  seeds  which  conduce  to 
its  sustenance  are  those  of  Chenopodium  album, 
Amarantus  hybridus,  A.  albus,  A.  paniculaliis, 
Rumex  sanguineus>  Ambrosia  artemisi&folia,  and 
many  of  the  asters  and  solidagos.  In  the  months 
of  April  and  May  the  flowers  of  Acer  rubrnm,  A. 
saccJiarinum,  besides  Cerasus  and  Pyrus>  and  many 
of  our  herbaceous  plants.  Among  insects  we 
have  discovered  traces  of  Harpalus  pensyhaniais, 
H.  compar,  Casnonia  pennsylvanica^  and  Formica 
sanguinca,  in  many  stomachs  which  we  have  ex- 
amined. It  is  only  while  with  young  that  the 


318  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

parent-birds  destroy  great  numbers  of  noxious 
caterpillars. 

Its  flight  is  low,  firm,  and  but  slightly  sustained. 
Its  general  movements  are  the  inpersonation  of 
agility.  It  is  mainly  terrestrial  in  habits,  and  sel- 
dom attains  to  any  considerable  height  in  its 
search  after  food. 

Its  ordinary  call-note  may  be  quite  accurately 
expressed  by  hwl  repeated  at  irregular  intervals. 
A  simple  twlche,  the  last  syllable  repeated  quite 
sharply,  is  expressive  of  anger;  while  its  cry  of 
vexation  and  disappointment  is  indicated  by  twl- 
twl-twjo,  twi-twl-twoo,  iterated  in  a  harsh  and  dis- 
agreeable manner.  Finally,  its  song  lacks  both 
variety  and  expression,  and  is  in  striking  contrast 
with  the  songs  of  Melospiza  mzlodia,  and  Spizella 
pusilla,  and  cannot  fail  to  attract  attention  by  its 
utter  inharmoniousness. 

This  bird  mostly  builds  in  a  hollow  tree  or  a 
box.  In  walls  overgrown  with  the  ivy,  scores  not 
only  find  comfortable  shelter  during  the  rigorous 
winter  months,  but  also  suitable  accommodations 
for  nesting  purposes.  Where  the  above  conveni- 
ences are  not  available,  actuated  by  a  true  parental 
instinct,  a  couple  sometimes  nidificate  between  the 
forked  branches  of  a  maple.  A  case  in  point 
came  under  our  immediate  observation  during  the 
summer  of  1874. 

During  favorable  seasons  nidification  ordi- 
narily commences  in  the  early  part  of  April. 
The  spring  of  1875  being  an  unusually  backward 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  319 

one,  somewhat  retarded  its  labors.  Instances 
have  fallen  under  our  notice  where  preparations 
were  begun  as  early  as  the  first  week  of  February. 
On  such  occasions  a  pair  of  females  and  a  single 
male,  on  warm,  sunshiny  days  would  busy  them- 
selves for  hours  together  in  carrying  dried  grasses 
and  feathers  into  a  hollow  tree.  Labor  would  be 
suspended  when  the  weather  was  unusually  severe, 
and  resumed  on  the  accession  of  mild  weather. 
A  noticeable  feature  was  the  perfect  good- will  and 
harmony  which  prevailed  among  the  individual 
members  of  this  trio.,  We  anxiously  awaited  the 
ultimate  result  of  this  tripartite  covenant,  but 
before  the  completion  of  the  nest,  from  some 
cause  unknown  to  us,  the  locality  was  abandoned 
and  has  not  since  been  occupied.  It  might  be 
presumed  that  as  these  Sparrows  resort  to  hollow 
trees  for  shelter  during  cold  winter  nights,  that  the 
aforementioned  articles  were  designed  to  render 
their  roosting  quarters  more  comfortable  and  de- 
sirable. 

A  nest  which  we  possess  and  which  was  built 
in  a  hollow  branch  of  an  apple-tree,  measures 
fifteen  inches  in  length  and  has  a  diameter  of  four 
inches.  The  basis  is  composed  of  a  heterogeneous 
medley  of  feathers,  clivers  grasses,  and  various 
leaves,  and  the  periphery  of  a  thick  wall  of  dry 
plant-stems  intermingled  with  feathers.  The  labor 
of  building  is  performed  jointly  by  both  birds. 
The  nest  just  described  is  unusually  large,  and 
was  the  result  of  continued  additions  to  the  origi- 


32O  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

nal  structure  after  each  succeeding  brood-raising. 
The  authors  of  this  nest  had  successfully  reared 
three  broods,  and  at  the  time  of  the  severance  of 
the  limb  from  the  trunk  of  the  tree,  were  preparing 
for  a  fourth.  From  the  remarkable  depth  of  the 
cavity,  the  labor  of  removing  the  befouled  mate- 
rials which  would  have  been  exceedingly  arduous 
to  the  birds,  was  spared,  a  fresh  supply  of  feathers 
being  carried  in  for  each  successive  brood. 
The  preparations  for  a  fourth  brood  occurred 
during  the  last  week  in  August.  . 

Another  nest  which  was  taken  late  in  June,  was 
built  upon  a  tree  of  the  red  maple,  and  is  com- 
posed externally  of  fine  and  coarse  strings,  from 
the  thickness  of  twine  to  that  of  sewing  silk;  carpet 
rags,  a  few  small  branches  of  Popzdus  dilatata,  and 
rootlets.  Interiorly,  it  is  lined  with  a  thick  layer 
of  raw  cotton.  It  measures  four  and  a  half  inches 
in  diameter  by  less  than  two  and  a  half  in  a  verti- 
cal direction.  The  cavity  at  the  rim  measures 
three  inches  in  width,  and  one  and  a  half  in  depth. 
The  outer  materials  of  the  nest  are  far  from  beino" 

C3 

tastefully  interwoven,  and  display  but  a  slight  de- 
gree of  artistic  skill.  The  cotton  had  evidently 
been  found  en  masse,  and  was  carelessly  adjusted, 
if  the  present  appearance  affords  any  criterion. 

Ordinarily  the  labor  lasts  from  four  to  five  clays. 
The  eggs  are  begun  to  be  laid  on  the  succeeding 
day,  and  are  deposited  at  the  rate  of  one  per  day, 
which  makes  the  period  of  oviposition  from  four  to 
five  clays.  Incubation  takes  place  on  the  clay  fol- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  32! 

lowing  the  last  deposit,  and  continues  for  1 1  days. 
Sometimes  the  male  bird  shares  with  his  partner 
the  duties  of  sitting;  but  generally  the  burden  of 
the  responsibility  devolves  upon  the  female,  while 
the  male  becomes  a  faithful  guardian  and  most 
willing  provider.  He  displays  the  utmost  affection 
for  his  mate,  and  is  indefatigable  in  his  exertions 
to  render  her  comfortable  and  contented.  His 
jealousy  is  unbounded,  and  will  not  permit  a 
feathered  stranger  to  venture  within  his  precincts, 
without  chastising  his  temerity.  When  unable  to 
cope  with  an  antagonist,  a  cry  of  distress  soon 
brings  numbers  of  his  brethren  to  his  aid.  He 
seldom  strays  any  considerable  distance  from  the 
nest,  except  when  foraging  for  himself  and 
partner. 

The  most  devoted  affection  and  solicitude  are 
manifested  for  the  young.  They  are  fed  with  the 
larvae  of  insects  particularly  caterpillars,  and  dip- 
tera.  The  principal  insects  which  constitute  their 
dietary  are  the  larvae  of  Gortyna  ze<z,  Anisopteryx 
vernata,  A.  pometaria,  Zerene  catcnaria,  Orgy  a 
leucostigma,  Pieris  rapce.  Colias  philodice,  Hy hernia 
tiliaria,  Ennomos  subsignaria,  Chosrodes  transver- 
sata,  Plusia  precationis,  Thecla  humuli,  Utetheisa 
bella,  among  lepicloptera;  and  Musca  domestica, 
Culex  tceniorhynchus,  Stomoxys  calcitrans,  besides 
many  of  the  Aphidcc,  and  the  ordinary  Lumbricus 
terrestris. 

When  the  young  have  attained  the  age  of  from 
12  to  13  days,  they  quit  the  nest,  but  are  supplied 

u 


322  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

with  food  by  their  parents  from  10  to  u  days 
longer,  when  they  are  sufficiently  matured  to  shift 
for  themselves.  They  still  linger  about  their  homes 
and  seek  shelter  in  the  boxes  and  hollows  which 
served  as  nests,  during  inclement  weather  and 
winter  nights. 

The  ivy  in  some  localities  affords  both  suitable 
breeding  and  lodging  quarters.  In  some  places 
in  Germantown,  especially  upon  the  north  side  of 
the  mansion  of  Mr.  John  Button,  carefully  protec- 
ted from  the  cold  winds  by  surrounding  houses, 
within  an  extensive  vine,  at  least  a  hundred  or 
more  sparrows  find  lodgings  during  the  winter. 
The  continual  clatter  which  the  birds  produce 
early  in  the  morning,  and  just  before  night,  is 
almost  deafening.  During  the  breeding  period 
the  ivy  is  literally  filled  with  nests.  We  cannot  be 
accused  of  misrepresentation  or  exaggeration  in 
asserting  that  fifty  pairs,  at  the  lowest  calculation, 
nidificate  within  it.  Notwithstanding  the  pugna- 
cious disposition  ordinarily  manifested  by  the 
species,  even  by  individuals  towards  each  other, 
a  due  degree  of  harmony  pervades  the  entire  com- 
munity. This  may  be  readily  accounted  for.  At 
first  the  vine  was  occupied  by  a  single  pair,  and 
the  many  which  now  occupy  it  are  the  results  of 
this  union. 

Generally  three  broods  are  reared  annually. 
Instances  are  known  where  preparations  were 
making  for  a  fourth  brood,  when  the  designs  of 
the  birds  were  frustrated  by  human  interference. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  323 

Hollow  trees,  ivy-vines,  boxes,  eaves  of  buildings, 
and  outbuilding's,  are  appropriated  for  roosting 
purposes  during  the  continuance  of  the  cold 
weather. 

An  incident  which  was  related  to  us  by  a  friend 
cannot  be  out  of  place  in  this  connection.     Having 
erected  a  house  with  several  capacious  apartments 
for   the    accommodation    of  the    sparrows  which 
were  frequent  visitors  to  his  warden,  he  was  sur- 
prised to  find  that  they  could   not  be  induced   to 
take    possession,  although    the    house   was    built 
long  before    the    breeding    season    commenced. 
Unable  to  offer  anything  like  a  satisfactory  solu- 
tion of  the  problem,  he  applied   to    us.     After  a 
little  conversation  and  the  propounding  of  a  few 
questions  upon  our  part,  we  elicited  a  number  of 
facts    which   enabled    us    to    solve   the   problem, 
when  coupled  with  others  of  our  own  finding.     To 
make  a  long  story  short,    several    attempts   had 
been  made  by  different  pairs  to  build  in  the  house, 
but  which  had  finally  to  be  abandoned  owing  to 
inimical  relations  which  sprung  up  between  the 
different  families.     Other  pairs    had    undertaken 
the  business  with  no  better  success.     Now  expe- 
rience has  taught  us   the  fact    where   houses   or 
vines  are  occupied  by  near  relations,  but  few  dif- 
ficulties of  not  more  than  passing  moment,  occur; 
but,  on  the  contrary,  where  the  kin  of  different 
families,  like  different  clans,  come  together,  there 
is  more  or  less   of  jangling  and  quarrelling.  '  In 
view  of  the  foregoing  facts  we  think  we  are  safe 


324  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   EIRDS 

in  concluding,  that,  however  suitable  our  friend's 
building  was  for  the  purposes  of-  niclification,  for 
we  are  convinced  that  the  sparrows  like  our  com- 
mon Troglodytes  cedon,  are  not  at  all  fastidious  in 
the  selection  of  a  place,  its  abandonment  was  due 
solely  to  the  conflicting  natures  of  the  parties 
which  sought  to  possess  it. 

The  eggs  of  this  sparrow  are  oval,  pointed  at 
one  end,  and  blotched,  streaked,  and  dotted  with 
divers  shades  of  cinereous  brown  upon  a  light 
ashen  back-ground.  The  average  length  is  .91  of 
an  inch  and  average  breadth  .62. 

o 

Passerella  iliaca,  Swainson. 

The  Fox-colored  Sparrow  though  not  a  winter 
denizen  with  us,  is  quite  an  early  spring  visitant. 
Its  presence  has  been  observed  as  early  as  the 
1 8th  of  March.  Though  usually  a  somewhat  re- 
tired species,  occupying  during  its  temporary  stay, 
open  fields,  waste  grounds,  and  the  boundaries  of 
thickets,  yet  it  is  not  necessarily  so.  In  small 
numbers  it  visits  our  yards  and  gardens  in  com- 
pany with  Meiospiza  mclodia,  Spizella  monticola, 
and  Junco  hy  emails  t  for  the  crumbs  and  scraps 
which  have  been  cast  away,  and  the  broken  corn, 
wheat-screenings,  and  broom-seed,  which  have 
been  fed  to  the  chickens.  It  now  becomes  very 
tame  and  is  readily  approachable.  When  the 
ground  is  covered  with  snow,  which  is  often  the 
case  at  the  time  of  its  return,  its  presence  is  more 
frequently  observed,  being,  doubtless,  drawn  to 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA,  325 

the  habitations  of  man  by  necessity  of  food. 
At  the  time  of  its  arrival,  there  is  little  to  satisfy 
appetite,  except  the  seeds  of  last  year's  maturing, 
and  the  few  coleopterous  and  hymenopterous 
insects  which  have  endured  the  rigors  of  winter 
underneath  stones,  prostrate  logs,  £c.,  and  which 
have  now  crept  forth  from  their  lurking  places  to 
enjoy  a  milder  climate.  As  these  are"  mainly 
found  upon  the  ground,  its  supplies  are  principally 
cut  off  when  the  earth  is  snow-clad;  hence  its  ap- 
pearance around  our  dwellings. 

Few  species  affect  a  greater  fondness  for  run- 
ning-water, where  during  the  months  of  March 
and  April,  it  may  be  found,  doubtless,  on  account 
of  the  bushes  of  Almis  serrulata  which  grow  luxu- 
riantly in  such  places,  more  especially  in  low 
humicj  grounds,  for  their  tender  catkins  which  con- 
stitute an  important  article  of  diet.  Like  a  Pipilo, 
it  may  be  often  seen  busily  scratching  in  the  earth 
for  its  food.  In  open  grounds,  at  this  season,  its 
habits  are  not  dissimilar  to  those  of  gallinaceous 
birds.  j 

Its  food  consists  of  the  seeds  of  weeds  and 
grasses,  with  such  insects  as  are  common.  Among 
the  former,  the  seeds  of  asters,  solidagos,yf  ;;/#;-#;/- 
tus  hybridus,  A.  paniculatus,  A.  albus,  Ambrosia 
artcmisi&folia,  A.  trifidum,  CJicnopodium  album, 
<3v.,  are  greedily  devoured.  Among  insects, Har- 
palus  pcnsylvanicus,  Cr atony  chus  cincreus,  Formica 
sanguinea,  constitute  an  important  part  of  its  diet. 
Like  many  of  the  FringiHida>  the  tender  buds  of 


326  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

plants,  and  the  stamens  and  pistils  of  Acer  rubrunt, 
A.  saccharinum,  Pyrus  mains,  Pnmus  cerasus,  &c., 
are  esteemed  great  luxuries. 

Its  movements  are  mostly  performed  in  silence. 
Occasionally,  in  the  intervals  of  feeding,  a  low,  sim- 
ple call-note  is  uttered.  The  male  is  reputed  a  very 
fine  singer;  but  it  is  an  unusual  occurrence  to  hear 
its  song  in  this  latitude;  it  probably  reserving  this 
power  until  it  has  attained  its  more  northern  habi- 
tat. Dr.  Brewer  says  "his  voice  is  loud,  clear,  and 
melodious;  his  notes  full,  rich,  and  varied;  and  his 
song  is  unequalled  by  any  of  this  family  that  I  have 
ever  heard."  It  generally  disappears  about  the 
time  Spizella  monticola  takes  its  departure. 

The  breeding  range  of  this  species,  according  to 
Sir  John  Richardson,  extends  to  the  68th  parallel 
of  latitude.  It  breeds  in  the  wooded  regions  of 
fur  countries.  Mr.  Ball  has  found  it  breeding- 
abundantly  at  Nulatoy  where  it  arrives  from  the 
loth  to  the  i5th  of  May;  and  also  on  the  Yukon 
river.  Messrs.  Kennicott,  Ross,  MacFarlane,  and 
Lockhart,  have  discovered  it  breeding  at  various 
places  in  British  America.  According  to  the 
reports  of  Mr.  Kennicott  and  Mr.  MacFarlane, 
this  species  nidificates  both  on  the  ground  and  in 
trees;  and  in  one  instance,  a  nest  was  found  at  an 
elevation  of  eight  feet  above  the  ground.  In 
structure,  it  is  affirmed  to  be  similar  to  that  of 
Turdus  alicice,  Nidification  evidently  takes  place 
before  the  middle  of  June,  between  that  and  the 
first  of  the  same  month,  as  complete  nests  were 


OF  EASTERN   PENNSYLVANIA.  327 

taken  before  the  yth.  A  single  nest  was  dis- 
covered at  the  base  of  a  clump  of  dwarf  willows, 
which  materially  assisted  to  hide  it  from  view. 
This  was  constructed  out  of  coarse  hay,  a  modicum 
of  deer  hairs,  and  fresh,  young  moss,  variously 
intermingled  together;  and  was  lined  with  a  finer 
quality  of  hay.  Mr.  MacFarlane,  to  whom  we 
are  indebted  for  this  discovery,  considers  this  as 
an  exceptional  nest,  as  all  the  nests  he  had  pre- 
viously found,  had  been  placed  in  the  midst  of 
branches  of  pine  or  spruce- trees,  and  had  been 
like  those  of  T.  alicicz.  Other  nests  were  dis- 
covered similar  in  structure  to  the  last,  which 
seemed  to  make  it  highly  probable  that  in  certain 
instances,  some  birds  had  occupied  old  nests  of 
T.  alicicz  for  incubating  purposes.  Richardson  says 
the  nests  are  built  in  low  bushes,  and  are  composed 
of  dry  grasses,  feathers,  and  hair.  He  describes 
the  eggs  as  being  marbled  with  irregular  brown 
spots  upon  a  mountain  green  background,  and 
gives  the  number  as  five. 

According  to  Audubon  who  discovered  several 
nests  in  Labrador,  near  the  sea-coast,  the  nest  is 
large  for  the  size  of  the  bird,  and  is  ordinarily 
built  upon  the  ground,  surrounded  by  tall  grass 
or  moss,  and  concealed  from  view  by  the  branches 
of  a  creeping  fir,  near  the  stem  of  which  it  is  placed. 
Exteriorly,  it  is  composed  of  moss  and  dry  grass, 
and  an  inner  layer  of  fine  grasses  carefully  adjusted 
circularly.  The  lining  consists  of  fine  thread-like 
roots,  and  the  feathers  of  water-fowls;  in  one  in- 


328  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF 

stance,  the  down  of  Somateria  mollissima  was  a 
noticeable  feature.  The  eggs  were  found  from 
June  1 5  to  July  7,  and  there  is  but  one  brood  in  a 
season.  The  same  writer  says  when  the  nest  is 
approached,  the  female  by  affecting  lameness  and  by 
the  employment  of  the  ordinary  arts,  endeavors  to 
decoy  intruders  from  its  site. 

The  eggs  are  oblong,  and  densely  spotted  with 
ferruginous  upon  a  light  bluish-white  ground,  so 
as  to  conceal  almost  completely  the  ground-color. 
The  measurement  is  .92  by  .70  inches. 

Euspiza  Americana,  Bonap. 

The  Black-throated  Bunting  is  tolerably  abund- 
ent  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania,  and  is  chiefly  a  deni- 
zen of  meadow  grounds  and  waste-fields.  It  is 
never  gregarious,  but  is  always  to  be  found  in 
pairs.  Exceedingly  tame  and  unsuspicious,  it  can 
be  readily  approached,  and  when  fired  upon,  after 
the  lapse  of  a  few  moments,  will  return  to  the  spot 
as  though  nothing  had  happened.  It  arrives  from 
the  loth  to  the  1 5th  of  May.  When  preparing 
for  migration,  they  collect  in  particular  localities 
for  which  they  affect  a  predilection  from  some 
peculiar  advantages  which  they  possess ;  but  unlike 
most  birds  of  the  family  to  which  they  belong,  do 
not  associate  with  other  groups. 

The  flight  of  this  species  is  low,  undulating,  and 
but  slightly  sustained. 

Its  song  is  rather  unmusical  and  makes  up  in 
quantity  what  it  lacks  in  quality.  For  two  months 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  329 

after  its  arrival,  its  favorite  haunts  resound  with 
its  quaint  serenade  from  sunrise  to  sunset.  Ac- 
cording to  Wilson  its  notes  resemble  chip-ckip- 
che-che-che,  and  in  manners  bear  a  close  resem- 
blance to  the  European  Ember iza  citrinella.  Mr. 
Audubon  compares  its  song  to  that  of  Emberiza 
miliaria  of  Europe. 

The  food  of  this  species  consists  of  seeds, 
berries,  and  insects  which  it  procures  from  the 
ground,  and  in  low  bushes  and  low  trees.  We 
have  observed  it  feeding  upon  the  seeds  of  grasses, 
particularly  thqse  of  Phleum  prcetense,  Triticum 
vulgare,  Secale  cereale,  and  those  of  Trifoliinn 
prcetense;  besides  the  berries  of  Fragaria  Vir- 
giniana,  Rubus  villosus,  Rubus  strigosus,  R.  occi- 
dentalis,  Junipcrus  Virginiana,  and  Prunus  sero- 
tina.  The  following  insects  constitute  a  portion 
of  its  bill  of  fare: — Cr atony  chus  cinereus,  Chryso- 
mela  cceruleipcnnis,  Cymindis  viridipennis,  Harpalus 
pensylvanicus,  Formica  sanguinea,  aphides,  and 
various  lepidopterous  larvae,  which  it  feeds  to  its 
young,  together  with  mature  forms  of  the  same. 

Nidification  takes  place  about  the  20  of  May  or 
the  beginning  of  June,  usually  about  five  days 
after  mating.  The  nest  is  invariably  placed  upon 
the  ground,  according  to  our  experience,  which 
has  been  the  experience  of  both  Mr.  Ridgway  and 
Prof.  Baird;  but  in  some  localities  it  is  placed  on 
small  bushes  at  a  slight  elevation  above  the  ground. 
Dr.  P.  R.  Hoy,  according  to  Dr.  Brewer,  has  never 
observed  them  to  nest  upon  the  ground,  which 


33O  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

has  also  been  the  experience  both  of  Dr.  J.  W. 
Velie,  of  Rock  Island,  111.,  and  Robert  Kennicott, 
Esq.  The  nest  is  composed  externally  of  divers 
grasses  and  plant-stems,  and  is  lined  with  finer 
materials  of  a  similar  character.  It  is  the  labor 
of  the  sexes  for  a  period  varying  from  three  to 
four  days.  The  number  of  eggs  laid  is  from  four 
to  five;  the  duty  of  oviposition  commences  on  the 
day  succeeding  nest  completion.  A  single  ovum 
is  daily  deposited.  Incubation  commences  the  day 
following  the  last  deposit,  and  continues  for  12 
days,  and  is  the  exclusive  labor  pf  the  female. 
When  the  nest  is  disturbed  while  she  is  incubating, 
she  creeps  noiselessly  out,  and  conceals  herself 
among  the  grasses,  and  permits  her  treasures  to 
be  robbed  without  manifesting  the  least  outward 
anxiety,  or  without  uttering-  a  single  syllable  of 
complaint. 

The  young  are  fed  upon  the  caterpillars  of 
Hybernia  tiliaria,  Zerene  catenaria,  Eufitchia  ri- 
bearia,  Ennomos  subsignaria,  Utetheisa  be  Ha,  Chce- 
rodes  transversata,  Colias  philodice,  Argynnis 
aphrodite,  mature  forms  of  the  smaller  Noctuidce, 
Tortmcidce,  and  Tincidtz,  plant-lice,  and  diptera. 
At  the  age  of  thirteeen  days  they  leave  the  nest, 
but  are  objects  of  parental  care  for  nine  or  ten 
days  longer,  when  they  are  required  to  shift  for 
themselves.  We  have  never  met  with  more  than 
one  brood  in  a  season.  The  species  retires  to  its 
winter-quarters  in  Central  America  and  Columbia 
in  South  America,  during  the  last  week  of  Sep- 
tember. 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  331 

The  eggs  are  a  uniform  light  blue,  and  present 
a  similarity  in  tint  to  those  of  the  Sialia  sialis  of 
Baird.  They  measure,  on  an  average,  .84  of  an 
inch  in  length,  and  .65  in  breadth. 

Euspiza  townsendii,  Bonap. 

This  species  which  is  commonly  called  Town- 
send's  Bunting,  has  never  been  observed  by  us  in 
Eastern  Pennsylvania.  Only  a  single  specimen 
of  this  apparently  well-characterized  species  has 
been  observed.  This  bird  was  shot  May  1 1,  1833 , 
by  J.  K.  Townsend,  Esq.,  in  an  old  field,  overgrown 
with  cedar-bushes,  near  New  Garden,  Chester 
Co.,  Penn.  Dr.  Coues  says:  "It  is  a  standing 
puzzle  to  ornithologists  in  the  uncertainty  whether 
it  is  a  good  species,  or  merely  an  abnormal  plumage 
of  the  last."  Nothing  is  know  of  its  history. 

Goniaphea  ludoviciana,  Bowditch. 

The  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak  is  a  somewhat 
rare  and  irregular  visitor  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania. 
It  arrives  about  the  I5th  of  May,  and  is  mainly  a 
denizen  of  high,  open  woods,  where  it  delights  in 
the  tallest  tree-tops.  We  have  never  observed  it 
along  water-courses,  which  has  been  the  experience 
of  others.  Few  species  are  more  shy  and  affect 
greater  fondness  for  places  of  retirement.  While 
gleaning  amid  the  branches  of  the  tallest  oaks, 
almost  beyond  the  reach  of  effective  gunshot,  the 
presence  of  a  human  being  upon  the  scene,  infuses 
a  feeling  of  dread,  and  leads  to  its  hasty  depart- 


332  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

ure.  When  absorbed  in  feeding,  or  in  their 
gambols  with  each  other,  the  sexes  will  remain 
upon  the  same  tree  for  hours  together. 

This  species  is  not  gregarious,  but  appears  to 
arrive  already  paired;  for  it  is  not  an  uncommon 
occurrence,  even  from  its  first  arrival,  to  find  the 
sexes  feeding  and  rambling  together,  and  in  the 
intervals  of  gleaning,  dallying  together;  and  lavish- 
ing upon  each  other  the  most  endearing  attentions. 
Either  the  species  arrives  already  mated,  or  per- 
forms this  indispensible  business  immediately  on 
its  arrival.  Diligent  searching  has  convinced  us 
that  it  does  not  breed  within  our  limits,  although 
these  movements  Avould  seem  to  warrant  the 
belief  that  it  does.  Why  these  tokens  of  endear- 
ment and  affection?  On  the  supposition  that 
the  birds  arrive  already  paired,  and  are  devotedly 
attached  to  each  other  as  evidenced  '-by  these 
actions  which  are  the  promptings  of  an  overflowing 
love,  and  which  must  manifest  itself  in  some  such 
way,  when  not  otherwise  diverted  by  the  duties  of 
nidification  and  incubation,  they  can  be  readily 
accounted  for.  We  have  occasionally  observed  a 
lonely  male  to  come  upon  the  scene  in  the  midst 
of  these  wooings  or  caresses,  when  a  conflict  would 
ensue,  which  would  last  a  long  while.  The  female 
would  remain  a  passive  spectator  of  the  struggle, 
not  deigning  to  enter  into  .it,  as  long  as  victory 
seemed  ready  to  crown  her  favorite.  But  when 
her  partner  wavered  in  the  conflict,  she  would 
come  to  his  rescue,  and  deal  most  summary  blows 
upon  his  antagonist. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  333 

Its  flight  is  lofty,  slightly  undulating,  and  gener- 
ally protracted.  In  feeding  its  general  movements 
are  mainly  arboreal;  seldom  terrestrial,  unless  at 
the  time  of  breeding. 

Sir  John  Richardson  who  met  with  this  species 
on  the  Saskatchewan,  during  his  first  trip  with  Sir 
John  Franklin,  describes  its  song  as  clear,  mellow, 
and  harmonious.  Mr.  Nuttall,  who  kept  one  in 
confinement,  in  speaking  of  this  bird,  says  it  is  a 
melodious  and  untiring  singer,  frequently  spending 
the  greater  part  of  the  night  in  warbling  its  various 
tunes.  These  notes  are  loud  and  distinct  at  times, 
and  at  others,  querulous,  cheerful,  and  pathetic. 
When  singing  it  would  mount  on  tiptoe,  as  if  in  an 
ecstasy  of  delight  at  the  unrivalled  beauty  of  its 
own  voice.  Its  powers  of  song,  are  by  him  con- 
sidered, as  unexcelled  by  any  species  save  Mimus 
polyglottus.  Its  ordinary  call-note  is  a  faint  chuck. 

During*  its  stay  of  two  weeks,  it  subsists  upon 
the  ova  and  pupa  of  insects,  which  it  espies  in 
fissured  bark,  mature  forms  of  various  coleopterous 
and  dipterous  insects  which  are  found  in  its  accus- 
tomed haunts,  and  the  seeds  and  berries  of  divers 
plants.  Before  taking  its  leave,  it  feasts  largely 
upon  the  tender  buds  of  trees,  the  succulent  cones 
of  Pinus,  and  the  stamens  and  pistils  of  Acer 
mbrum,  It  is  said  to  affect  a  fondness  for  the 
berries  of  Liquidambar  styracijlua.  The  following 
insects  have  been  found  among  the  undigested 
contents  of  many  stomachs  which  we  have 
examined: — Cratonychus  cinereus,  C.  pertinax, 


334  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

Ckrysomela  ccenileipennis,  Ptinus  humeralis,  Rhyn- 
chcenus  strobi,  Formica  sangninea,  CEdipoda  sul- 
phurea,  (E.  nebulosa,  and  Acheta  nigra. 

As  before  remarked,  it  does  not  nidificate  within 
our  limits.  Mr.  Allan  states  that  it  breeds  in 
Springfield,  Mass.,  though  not  abundantly.  In 
the  vicinity  of  Hamilton,  Canada,  Mr.  Mcllwraith 
gives  it  a  summer  resident.  It  is  common  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Randolph,  Vt.,  where  it  is  a 
regular  breeder.  In  Eastern  Massachsusetts,  says 
Dr.  Brewer,  it  arrives  about  the  I5th  of  May,  and 
nests  during  the  first  week  of  June.  It  nests,  ac- 
cording to  the  same  authority,  in  low  trees  on  the 
borders  of  woods,  often  in  small  groves  on  the 
margins  of  streams.  Their  nests  are  coarsely 
constructed  of  plant-stems,  bits  of  leaves,  and 
waste  stubble,  which  are  intermixed  with  coarser 
stems  and  twigs  which  serve  to  strengthen  them. 
The  superior  portion  is  ordinarily  built  of  dry  Usnea 
mosses,  and  a  few  twigs.  The  interior  is  lined 
with  finer  twigs.  They  measure  eight  inches  in 
diameter  and  three  and  a  half  inches  in  height. 
The  cavity  is  three  inches  wide,  and  is  quite  shal- 
low, being  only  one  inch  in  depth. 

Within  six  miles  of  Racine,  Wisconsin,  Dr.  Hoy 
discovered  seven  nests  within  a  piece  of  ground 
not  exceeding  five  acres.  Six  of  these  were  placed 
in  thorn-bushes  in  the  central  portion  of  the  tops, 
and  within  six  to  ten  feet  from  the  ground.  He 
was  assured  that  the  above  locality  was  annually 
visited  for  purposes  of  nidification  when  the  same 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  335 

sociality  existed.  Upon  the  males  mainly  devolve 
the  responsible  duty  of  incubation.  During  this 
period  the  male  bird  is  so  persistent  and  en- 
thusiastic singer,  even  while  in  the  presence  of  his 
partner,  as  to  betray  his  nest  by  the  power  of  his 
song.  Whilst  sitting  he  is  so  apparently  utterly 
oblivious  to  the  task  he  is  performing,  as  to  at- 
tract by  his  melody,  intruders  to  his  nest. 

The  eggs  are  usually  a  light  verdigris-green  or 
greenish-white,  and  are  marked  with  ferruginous 
spots,  more  or  less  diffused  over  their  entire  sur- 
face. They  resemble  very  closely  those  of  the 
Tanagers',  but  are  generally  larger.  The  average 
length  is  .94  of  an  inch  and  breadth  .68. 

Cyanospiza  cyanea,  Baird. 

The  Indigo  Bird  is  quite  abundant  in  Eastern 
Pennsylvania,  where  it  arrives  usually  about  the 
1 2th  of  May.  It  prefers  the  borders  of  thickets, 
and  fields  overgrown  with  brier-bushes.  Although 
an  uncommon  visitor  about  houses,  we  have  never 
known  it  to  nidificate  in  such  places. 

Though  partial  to  sequestered  situations  during 
the  breeding-period,  it  would  seem  that  this 
species  is  shy  and  suspicious;  but  we  are  convinced 
that  it  manifests  but  ordinary  timidity  during  the 
continuance  of  its  stay.  The  localities  which  it 
frequents,  doubtless,  possess  advantages  which 
others  do  not  present. 

Arriving  at  a  time  when  insect-life  is.  already 
abundant  and  steadily  on  the  increase,  a  plentiful 


336  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

supply  is  obtained  with  but  a  trifling  outlay  of 
physical  strength.  The  following  insects  constitute 
no  mean  part  of  its  dietary: — Musca  domeslica, 
Stomoxys  cahitrans,  Tabanus  lineolar  Tipula  tri- 
color, Syrpkus  obscurus,  S.  obliquns,  S.  americanus 
S.  politics,  Cut  ex  t<$niorhyuchus,  and  Anopheles 
quadrimaculatiis,  among  diptera,  and  during  the 
breeding-season,  the  larvae  of  Eufitchia  ribearia 
Anisopteryx  vernala,  A.  pometaria,  Zerene  cate- 
naria,  Ennomos  subsignaria,  Ch&rodes  transversata, 
Gortyna  zees,  Colias  philodice,  Theda  humuli,  An- 
chyloperafragarice,  Utetheisa  bella,  Halesidota  tes- 
sellaris,  and  mature  forms  of  Noctuida  and  Tineida 
which  are  also  fed  to  their  young;  besides,  aphides, 
and  small  beetles.  The  seeds  of  grasses  of  last 
year's  growth,  and  later  the  berries  of  Juniperus 
Virginiana,  Fragaria  Virginiana,  Rubus  villosus, 
R .  strigosus,  and  the  seeds  of  Cirsiuin  altissimum, 
C.  discolor,  C  canadensis,  the  common  salad,  and 
various  species  of  aster  and  solidago  among  com- 
posite plants,  and  Panicum,  Aira,  Poa,  Triticum 
vulgare,  and  Secale  cereale,  among  graminaceous 
plants.  The  v  stamens  \ancl  ovaries  of  blossoms, 
and  various  buds  are  also  eagerly  eaten. 

The  flight  of  this  species  -is  low,  moderately 
rapid,  and  in  graceful  undulations.  In  gleaning 
for  food  it  confines  itself  to  bushes  and  low  trees. 
It  is  sometimes  terrestrial.  While  perched  upon  a 
weed  or  bush,  we  have  observed  its  capture  of 
insects  upon  the  wing  with  considerable  dexterity. 
Its  general  movements  are  characterized  by  won- 
derful agility. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  337 

Its  song  consists  of  a  few  short  syllables  repeated 
loudly  and  rapidly  at  first,  but  gradually  diminish- 
ing in  pitch,  until  it  becomes  almost  indistinct,  and 
finally  ceasing  altogether.  It  resembles  tshe-tshe- 
tshe.  When  the  male  is  ready  for  a  song,  it 
perches  upon  the  summit  of  a  small  tree,  and 
utters  his  notes  with  considerable  vim,  for  hours 
at  a  time,  with  but  brief  intervals  of  repose.  In 
the  heat  of  the  day,  when  the  most  of  his  feathered 
brethren  are  silent  and  have  sought  the  cool  and 
refreshing  shade,  he  still  iterates  his  musical  ditty 
with  nearly  the  same  ardor  and  vigor  as  in  the 
cool  of  the  morning.  Through  the  entire  months 
of  May  and  June,  he  continues  to  sing  with  all  the 
power  that  characterized  him  at  first,  relaxing  this 
power,  however,  during  the  ensuing  months,  when 
he  is  heard  at  irregular  intervals,  and  before  his 
departure  becoming  almost  silent.  Even  during 
the  breeding-period  he  essays  an  occasional  ditty 
to  relieve  the  ennui  of  his  mate  while  engaged  in 
incubation.  The  song  of  the  Indigo  Bird  resembles 
tsewe-tslch-tsich-tse-we-tsich  -  tsich-tse-we-tsich,  pro- 
duced very  hurriedly  and  with  a  rather  indistinct 
articulation. 

In  about  six  days  after  their  arrival,  mating 
commences.  This  accomplished,  a  suitable  local- 
ity is  selected  for  building  purposes.  A  nest  is  the 
joint  and  mutual  labor  of  the  sexes.  A  brier-bush 
in  the  midst  of  a  thick  cluster,  is  ordinarily  chosen. 
Very7  seldom  is  an  isolated  bush  selected.  The 
centre  of  .a  patch  is  available  for  the  obvious 

v 


338  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

security  which  it  affords;  the  nest  is  thus  placed 
out  of  the  reach  of  viciously  inclined  birds,  and 
equally  mischievous  boys.  Both  birds  apply  them- 
selves vigorously  to  the  task  until  the  nest  is  com- 
pleted, which  requires  a  period  from  three  to  four 
days.  The  duty  of  adjusting  the  materials 
belongs  to  the  female,  while  that  of  fetching  the 
same  appertains  to  her  partner.  On  its  comple- 
tion, very  little  time  is  wasted  before  oviposition 
commences.  A  single  egg  is  deposited  daily, 
until  the  complement  of  four  eggs  is  laid.  Incu- 
bation begins  on  the  following  day,  and  continues 
during  a  period  of  ten  days.  This  labor  is  entirely 
performed  by  the  female.  While  the  latter  is  thus 
engaged,  the  male  contributes  his  share  of  labor 
by  administering  to  her  wants;  when  not  thus 
employed,  he  takes  a  position  close  by  the  nest, 
and  exercises  the  most  unremitting  vigilance. 
Should  the  nest  be  assailed  by  intruders,  with 
loud  noises  and  menacing  gestures,  he  essays  to 
drive  them  off,  not  even  hesitating  in  the  case  of 
human  foes  to  offer  an  assault.  At  last  conscious 
of  his  inability  to  prevent  any  contemplated  depre- 
dation, all  further  efforts  are  desisted  from,  and 
loud  and  bitter  expostulations  are  indulged  in  by 
the  offended  parents. 

Their  attentions  to  the  young  are  unwearied, 
and  prompted  by  the  purest  love.  *  Their  solicitude 
is  unbounded.  Both  parents  labor  vigorously  to 
provide  them  with  suitable  and  abundant  nourish- 
ment. In  about  eleven  days  the  young  quit  the 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  339 

nest,  and  in  an  additional  period  of  ten  days  are 
compelled  to  feed  themselves.  They  still  continue, 
however,  with  the  parents,  thus  constituting  the 
small  flocks  which  later  in  the  season  display  such 
an  appetite  for  the  berries  of  Juniperus  Vir- 
giniana. 

Their  nest  is  usually  built  about  three  feet  from 
the  ground,  and  is  composed  externally  of  leaves, 
mainly,  intermingled  with  grasses,  spiders'  webs, 
and  the  inner  bark  of  deciduous  trees.  It  is  lined 
with  fine  stems  of  grasses.  The  diameter  is  four 
and  a  half  inches,  and  the  height  about  four  inches. 
The  cavity  at  the  mouth  is  three  inches  wide  and 
two  and  a  half  inches  deep.  The  typical  nest  is 
firmly  and  cozily  built;  occasionally,  nests  are 
found  which  are  characterized  by  a  looseness  of 
arrangement  and  lack  of  symmetry,  which  are 
undoubtedly  the  work  of  young  birds,  or  unskilful 
mechanics. 

A  much  neater  and  firmer  structure  before  us, 
has  the  inferior  third  composed  of  fragments  of 
paper  held  together  by  many  intertwining  strings 
and  rags,  and  the  superior  two-thirds  built  of  the 
inner  bark  of  deciduous  trees  and  a  few  weeds. 
Interiorly,  there  is  a  thick  lining  of  the  leaves 
and  culms  of  very  fine  grasses.  Another  fabric 
in  our  collection,  is  composed  almost j:  exclu- 
sively of  narrow  strips  of  the  bark  of  Phytolacca 
decandra,  with  small  scraps  of  paper,  strips  of 
rags,  and  a  few  leaves;  the  rim  of  the  cavity  is 
neatly  and-  firmly  bound  around  with  the  leaves 


34O  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

and  stems  of  fine  grasses  and  rootlets.  The  cavity 
is  beautifully  and  evenly  lined  with  black  and 
white  horse-hairs. 

The  Indigo  Bird  is  very  abundant,  and  ordinarily 
rears  but  one  brood  in  a  season,  in  this  latitude. 
We  have,  occasionally,  but  rarely,  met  with  two 
broods.  When  a  second  brood  is  raised,  it  is  un- 
usually late  in  attaining  maturity,  the  parents 
being  detained  long  after  their  usual  time  of 
departure,  which  is  the  last  week  of  September,  or 
the  beginning  of  October. 

In  confinement  this  species  thrives  well  and 
readily  subsists  upon  a  mixture  of  rape  and  canary 
seeds.  In 'time,  it  becomes  as  tame  and  trustful 
as  Fringilla  canaria.  Old  birds  have  been  captured 
and  caged  which  in  a  brief  period  displayed  as 
much  tameness  and  docility  as  those  reared  from 
the  nest.  Mr.  John  Strouse  of  Chestnut  Hill,  who 
has  had  considerable  experience  with  birds,  informs 
us  that  this  species,  under  proper  domestication, 
soon  becomes  a  good  singer.  He  has  known  birds 
when  placed  in  close  proximity  to  a  caged  canary, 
to  imitate  in  a  few  weeks,  with  considerable  ac- 
curacy, the  song  of  the  latter. 

The  eggs  are  rounded-oval,  light  bluish-white, 
and  unspotted.  They  measure  .75  of  an  inch  in 
length  and  .57  in  breadth. 

Cardinalis  Virginianus,  Bonap. 

This  beautiful  species  which  commends  itself  to 
our  favor  not  more  by  the  gorgeousness  of  its 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  341 

plumage,  than  by  the  variety  and  brilliancy  of  its 
song,  is  but  tolerably  abundant. .  It  is  a  perma- 
nent resident,  and  chiefly  delights  in  low  damp 
woods  where  junipers  and  kalmias  are  exceedingly 
abundant;  in  shady  and  secluded  valleys  along 
water-courses  bordered  with  alder-bushes.  It  is 
a  shy  and  timid  bird,  and  difficult  to  approach. 

The  Cardinal  Grosbeak,  as  this  species  is  popu- 
larly called,  is  mostly  found  in  pairs,  male  and 
female  together.  From  the  many  kind  attentions 
and  endearments  which  the  sexes  manifest  towards 
each  other,  it  is  highly  probable  that  a  portion  of 
the  same  affection  that  characterizes  the  sexes 
during  the  breeding-season,  still  remains  and 
prompts  to  such  actions.  The  spirit  of  selfishness  is 
akin  to  its  nature^ 

Its  flight  is  low,  firm,  and  but  moderately  sus- 
tained. Its  habits  of  feeding  are  slightly  terres- 
trial, the  principal  part  of  its  time  being  spent  in 
low  bushes.  When  closely  pursued,  it  seldom 
betakes  itself  to  tall  trees,  even  when  the  latter 
are  quite  convenient,  but  always  indulges  in  short 
and  rapid  flights  from  bush  to  bush. 

The  song  of  this  species  is  varied  and  quite 
melodious.  From  the  variety  and  power  of  its 
song,  it  is  sometimes  inaptly  designated  the 
"  Nightingale  of  America."  It  lacks  the  copious- 
ness, variation,  and  sweetness  of  the  European 
Nightingale,  which  is  frequently  known  to  utter 
twenty-four  distinct  combinations  of  harmonious 
sounds  in  rapid  succession.  The  female  bird  which 


342  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

is  rarely  the  case  among  birds,  rivals  the  male  in 
the  power  and  brilliancy  of  her  song.  On  clear 
moonlight  nights,  the  song  of  the  male  is  often 
continued  until  daybreak.  Its  song  may  be 
expressed  in  part  by  the  syllables  hwl-chee-hwl-chee- 
hwl-chee,  koo  -che  -koo  -che  -hwee-to-tiou  -tiou  -  kweet 
pronounced  rapidly  and  in  a  loud,  clear,  and  dis- 
tinct manner.  In  case  of  surprise  its  ordinary 
note  is  a  loud  and  sharp  chip. 

The  food  of  this  species  during  the  autumnal 
and  winter  months,  consists  of  berries,  and  the 
seeds  of  weeds  and  grasses.  The  principal  of 
these  are  the  berries  of  Juniperus  Virginiana,  J. 
community  Viburnum  lentago,  V.  dentatum,  Pyrola 
rotundifolia,  Amelanchicr  canadensis,  Ga^dtheria 
procumbens,  Liquidambar  styraciflua,  and  the  seeds 
of  Amarantus  hybrid  us,  A.  a! bus,  Ambrosia  arte- 
misuefolia,  Apios  tubcrosa,  and  various  species  of 
panicum,  aster,  and  solidago.  During  unusually 
severe  winters  when  pressed  by  hunger,  they  will 
not  hesitate  to  visit  the  farmers'  cribs  where  for 
days  together  they  will  manage  to  eke  out  a  pre- 
carious existence,  by  extracting  the  grains  from 
the  cob,  through  the  slats.  In  the  spring,  vast 
numbers  of  the  tassels  of  Alnus  serntlata  and  Be- 
tula  exceisa  which  are  abundant  along  meadow 
streams,  and  in  dense  high  thickets;  and,  later,  the 
berries  of  Pnmus  Virginiana,  Rubus  villosus,  and 
Rubus  strigosus,  which  are  very  prolific  in  their 
accustomed  haunts,  The  following  insects  con- 
tribute slightly  to  their  subsistence: — Cratonyckus 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  343 

cinereus,  Harpalus  compar,  Macrodactyla  subspi- 
nosa,  among  beetles  ;  CEdipoda  nebulosa,  Calopte- 
nus  femur-rubrum,  among  orthoptera;  and  Zerene 
catenaria,  Halesidota  tessellavis,  Plusia  precationis, 
Hybernia  tiliaria,  Chcerodes  transversata,  Anisop- 
teryx  vernata,  Utetheisa  bella,  Colias  p  kilo  dice,  in 
their  larval  stages ;  and  many  of  the  smaller  Noc- 
tuidcz  and  Tineid<z  in  their  perfect  stages ;  besides 
ants,  aphides,  and  diptera. 

This  species  is  exceedingly  voracious.  To 
satisfy  its  voracity  it  exposes  itself  often  to  immi- 
nent peril.  In  such  demand  is  it  in  certain 
districts  that  advantage  is  taken  of  its  love  of  ap- 
petite. Traps  are  placed  in  localities  which  these 
birds  frequent,  and  baited  with  buckwheat  for  which 
they  have  a  great  fondness.  As  an  inducement 
for  them  to  enter,  a  stuffed  female  is  also  used  as 
a  decoy,  and  placed  so  as  to  be  visible  at  a  dis- 
tance. To  attract  attention,  a  person  conceals 
himself  close  by,  and  imitates  as  nearly  as  possible 
the  call-note  of  the  female,  which  generally  has 
the  effect  of  enticing  an  unwary  male  to  his  doom. 

Nidification  commences  about  the  I5th  of  April, 
and  is  entered  into  by  both  birds  with  considerable 
alacrity.  A  thicket  of  brier-bushes  is  generally 
selected  as  a  suitable  situation  for  a'  nest;  occa- 
sionally, the  wild  grape  vine  Vitis  cordifolia,  or 
Junipems  Virginiana,  is  chosen.  The  construc- 
tion of  a  nest  requires  the  joint  labor  of  the  sexes 
for  a  period  of  four  days.  It  is  composed  ex- 
teriorly of  bits  of  sticks  as  a  foundation,  upon 


344  LIFE- HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

which  is  reared  a  superstructure  of  coarse  weeds 
and  grasses.  The  lining  is  made  of  soft  meadow 
grasses.  In  size  it  equals  the  nest  of  Turdus  mi- 
gratorius. 

Besides  lowlands,  its  most  usual  places  of  build- 
ing, we  have  known  instances  where  uplands  have 
been  chosen  for  this  essential  purpose.  From 
four  to  five  eggs  are  deposited  in  a  nest,  at  the 
rate  of  one  per  diem.  Oviposition  follows  the  day 
after  the  nest  is  completed.  On  the  day  subse- 
quent to  depositing  the  last  egg,  sometimes  on  the 
identical  day,  the  female  begins  the  trying  duty  0f 
incubation  which  devolves  exclusively  upon  her. 
While  she  is  thus  occupied,  the  male  exercises  a 
close  watch  over  her,  and  provides  her  with  neces- 
sary food.  The  period  of  incubation  is  about 
fourteen  days.  When  with  young,  both  parents 
are  unusually  'attentive  and  vigilant.  On  the 
approach  of  human  beings,  the  male  endeavors  by 
a  little  stratagem  of  his  own  to  divert  the  intruder 
from  the  real  situation  of  his  nest,  by  assuming  an 
air  of  distress  which  is  rendered  more  genuine  by 
a  kind  of  mournful  click,  which  he  utters  with 
astonishing  rapidity.  Two  broods  are  reared  in 
a  season.  In  about  fifteen  days  after  being 
hatched,  the  young  are  able  to  leave  the  nest;  and 
in  eleven  or  twelve  days  more,  are  prepared  to  feed 
themselves;  but  they  continue  with  the  parents 
long  after  they  are  able  to  shift  for  themselves. 
Their  food  consists  of  the  larval  Phalcenidce  men- 
tioned above,  Lumbricus  terrestris,  plant-lice,  dip- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  345 

tera,  and  the  berries  of  Rubus  villosus,  and  Ame- 
lanchier  canadensis. 

The  eggs  are  oblong-oval,  and  thickly  marked 
with  asy-brown  blotches  upon  a  white  ground- 
color, and  lavender  tints  which  almost  completely 
conceal  the  ground.  The  eggs  have  an  average 
measurement  of  1.05  by  .79  of  an  inch. 

Pipilo  erythrophthahmis,  Vieill. 

The  Towhee  Bunting  or  Chewink  is  quite 
abundant  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania  in  the  spring, 
where  it  arrives  about  the  i5th  of  April.  At  this 
time  it  is  quite  gregarious.  Still  later,  the- flocks 
dissolve,  and  for  a  while  anterior  to  mating,  each 
bird  leads  a  solitary  existence;  its  sole  object  now 
seems  to  b«  the  acquirement  of  food,  for  which 
a  life  of  solitude  eminently  qualifies  it  with  a  better 
show  of  success.  This  species  chiefly  delights  in 
waste  grounds  and  thick,  damp  forests;  it  does 
not  hesitate  to  visit  less  retired  localities,  even 
venturing  into  bushes  along  frequented  roads  for 
the  procurement  of  nourishment.  It  is  far  from 
being  shy  and  timid,  and  will  permit  near  ap- 
proaches both  while  gleaning  and  nesting,  with  the 
slightest  manifestation  of  alarm. 

Few  species  are  more  eminently  terrestrial  than 
the  subject  of  this  sketch.  It  only  occasionally 
takes  to  bushes  and  small  trees,  never  or  seldom 
frequenting  the  tall  tree-tops  in  its,  search  after 
food.  Like  its  family  relations,  this  Pipilo  is  dis- 
tinctly rasorial,  reminding  us  Of  the  Grallatores. 


346  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

The  peculiar  rustling  of  the  leaves  which  we  hear 
in  dense  woods  and  thick  patches  of  brier-bushes 
on  still  days,  is  often  due  to  its  movements  in 
quest  of  food.  Its  common  places  of  resort  for 
this  purpose  are  among  the  leaves  underneath 
bramble-bushes  and  low  growths  of  hemlock- 
spruce,  where  it  remains  for  hours  at  a  time. 
While  thus  occupied,  it  is  so  intent  upon  its  task, 
as  to  be  scarcely  cognizant  of  intrusion.  It  is  a 
silent  feeder.  Its  flight  is  low,  but  slightly  sus- 
tained, and  with  a  kind  of  jerking  undulatory 
movement.  Its  ground-movements  are  character- 
ized by  notable  agility.  When  disturbed,  it  seeks 
safety  in  short  flights,  or  accomplishes  the  same 
purpose,  by  running. 

The  call-note  of  the  Chewink  is  a  simple  ko-reet, 
uttered  low,  and  at  irregular  intervals.  When 
frightened,  or  vexed  by  repeated  annoyance,  its 
note  then  seems  to  resemble  che-wlnk,  pitched  in 
a  rather  high  key,  produced  with  a  sharp,  dis- 
tinct articulation,  and  repeated  three  times  in 
succession,  when  a  lull  ensues,  to  be  followed  by 
a  similar  repetition.  Its  song  may  be  expressed 
by  the  following  syllables  which  will  be  found  to 
differ  somewhat  from  Nuttall's  description:— fwkit- 
twltee-te-te. 

Seeds,  berries,  and  various  insects,  compose  its 
bill  of  fare.  Among  the  former  may  be  enumer- 
ated the  seeds  of  Abies  canadensis,  A.  nigra,  Lin- 
aria  canadensis,  Ambrosia  artcmisicefolia,  A.  trifi- 
dumt  Chenopodiiim  album,  Amaranlus  hybridus, 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  347 

and  many  species  of  Aster,  Solidago,  Calamagros- 
tis,  and  others.  Among  insects  may  be  mentioned 
Formica  sanguined,  F.  subterranea,  Casnonia  penn- 
sylvanica,  Harpalus  pensylvanicus,  H.  compar,Cra- 
tonychus  cinereus,  Scarites  siibterraneus,  Dicczlus 
dilatatus,  Pangus  caliginosus,  Stomoxys  calcitrans, 
and  the  larvae  of  Eufitchia  ribearia,  Clisiocampa 
Americana,  Chcerodes  transversata,  Ennomos  sub- 
signaria,  Hybernia  tiliaria,  Anisopteryx  vernata, 
Utetheisa  bella,  Lithosia  miniata,  Argynnis  aphro- 
dite, Pieris  rapcz,  Colias philodice,  and  mature  forms 
of  Spilosoma  Virginica,  Harrisina  Americana,  Spilo- 
soma  aci'&a,  and  many  of  the  smaller  Noctuida 
and  Tineidcz. 

Mating  usually  begins  about  the  I5th  of  May, 
and  by  the  2Oth  of  the  month  the  birds  are  ready 
to  commence  the  building  of  a  nest.  The  place 
selected  is  within  the  borders  of  a  thicket  where 
there  is  a  dense  growth  of  underbrush.  The  nest 
is  placed  within  a  depression,  and  made  to  project 
slightly  above  the  margin  of  the  cavity.  The  great 
abundance  of  loose  leaves  which  usually  cover 
the  ground  in  such  situations,  helps  to  conceal  the 
nest  from  view.  So  perfectly  hidden  is  it,  that, 
the  most  strenuous  efforts  are  often  made  to  dis- 
cover its  whereabouts,  but  without  avail.  Both 
birds  enter  diligently  into  the  work,  and  in  about 
two  days  of  hard  labor  have  built  a  suitable  struc- 
ture. The  eggs  to  the  number  of  four  usually, 
are  deposited  at  the  rate  of  one  per  day.  Ovipo- 
sition  is  begun  on  the  day  succeeding  the  comple- 


348  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

tion  of  the  nest.  Sitting  commences  on  the 
following  day,  and  continues  for  13  days. 

While  the  female  is  thus  occupied,  the  male- 
bird  is  very  cautious,  seldom  remaining  in  close 
proximity  to  the  nest,  for  fear  of  revealing  its 
whereabouts;  but  steals  into  the  neighborhood 
after  certain  intervals,  to  supply  her  with  food. 
When  the  nest  has  been  stumbled  upon  and  his 
mate  is  constrained  to  abandon  it,  the  male  does 
not  forsake  his  hiding-place  to  come  to  the  rescue. 
The  female,  however,  by  various  strategic  move- 
ments, labors  to  divert  the  intruder,  by  imitating 
the  actions  and  cries  of  a  crippled  bird,  until  she 
has  decoyed  the  inexperienced  to  a  remote  dis- 
tance, when  she  throws  off  the  guise  of  hypocrisy, 
and  quickly  disappears.  With  those  who  are 
trained  to  such  experiences,  this  ruse  does  not  suc- 
ceed, and  the  disappointed  parent  often  beholds 
with  feelings  of  sorrow,  her  nest  and  its  contents 
despoiled  by  ruthless  hands. 

Both  parents  are  extremely  assiduous  in  their 
devotions  to  the  young,  and  carefully  and  faithfully 
administer  to  their  wants.  They  feed  them  with 
the  larvae  of  various  insects,  besides  mature  forms 
of  diptera  and  lepidoptera.  The  larvae  of  Anisop- 
teryx  vernata,  A.  pometaria,  Ennomos  subsignaria, 
Chcerodes  transvcrsata,  Colias  philodice,  Eufitchia 
ribearia.  Hybernia  tiliaria,  besides  Ortalis,  Scato- 
phag'a,  Antkomya,  among  diptera;  and  Cynips 
among  hymenoptera,  aphides,  and  earthworms. 

The  young  are  from   13  to   14  days  old  when 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  349 

they  leave  the  nest.  In  10  days  more  they  are 
compelled  to  shift  for  themselves,  being  permitted, 
however,  to  remain  with  their  parents,  thus  helping 
to  form  the  small  flocks  which  are  common  in  the 
autumn  preparatory  to  migration  during  the  mid- 
dle of  October.  This  species  is  single-brooded. 

A  nest  is  composed  externally  of  leaves  of  de- 
ciduous trees,  the  inner  bark  of  Quercus  and  Cas- 
tanca,  broad  strips  of  outer  bark  of  the  wildjgrape 
vine,  the  Vitis  cordifolia  of  Michx.,  loosely  and 
circularly  arranged,  and  held  in  position  by  the 
peripheral  walls  of  the  cavity  in  which  it  is  posited. 
Interiorly,  there  is  a  rather  thick  lining  of  small 
roots  and  fine  stems  of  Lari.t  Americana,  adjusted 
with  the  slightest  evidence  of  design  and  symme- 
try. It  is  five  inches  in  diameter  and  four  in 
height.  The  cavity  is  less  than  four  inches  wide, 
and  one  and  a  half  inches  deep. 

The  eggs  are  rounded-oval,  and  marked  with 
dots  and  blotches  of  light  brown  upon  an  obscure 
whitish  background,  which  are  usually  collected 
about  the  larger  end.  They  measure  .97  of  an 
inch  in  length  and  .80  in  breadth. 


CHAPTER     VI. 

Family  Icteridse.     American  Starlings. 

This  family  is  restricted  to  America  where  it 
represents  the  Sturnida  of  the  Old  World.  It 
comprehends  one  hundred  and  fifty  species,  pro- 
bably about  fifty  being  genuine,  and  embraced  in 
fifty  genera  or  subgenera.  In  many  parts,  they 
resemble  the  Fringillid<z\  while,  in  others,  they 
grade  towards  the  Corvidce.  It  is  a  matter  of  con- 
siderable difficulty  to  find  a  character  that  will 
relegate  the  Bobolink  and  the  Cowbird  to  the  Ic- 
teridce  rather  than  to  the  Fringillidce .  This  group  is 
conveniently  divisible  into  three  subfamilies.  In 
all,  the  sexes  are  conspicuously  dissimilar  in  size ' 
and  color;  and  in  this  country  they  are  all  migra- 
ting. 

Subfamily  Agelaeinae.     Marsh  Blackbirds. 

This  subfamily  embraces  birds  which  have 
powerful  feet  adapted  both  for  walking  and  for 
grasping;  wings  more  or  less  acuminate  equalling 
or  surpassing  the  tail  in  length;  bill  conical,  acute, 
with  its  cutting  edges  more  or  less  inflected.  The 
species  are  granivorous,  gregarious,  and  terres- 
trial to  a  greater  or  less  extent,  being  chiefly  pa- 
lustrine.  They  possess  moderate  vocal  powers, 
and  build  rude  and  non-pensile  nests. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  351 

Dolichonyx  oryzivoms,  Swainson. 

This  well-known  and  common  species  reaches 
Eastern  Pennsylvania  not  earlier  than  the  first  of 
May,  and  remains  but  a  short  time,  not  longer  than 
ten  days  at  the  highest  calculation,  when  it  retires 
further  north  to  breed.  It  is  somewhat  retired  in 
its  habits,  delighting  in  meadows,  borders  of 
thickets,  and  waste  grounds. 

Although,  seldom,  if  ever,  visiting  the  habitations 
of  man,  it  must  not  be  accused  of  undue  timidity. 
It  will  permit  a  very  close  approach  without  ex- 
hibiting the  least  dismay.  During  its  sojourn,  it 
occurs  in  small  isolated  flocks;  but  in  the  autumn, 
it  repairs  to  the  reeds  along  the  Delaware  river. 

Its  habits  are  mainly  terrestrial.  Occasionally 
it  frequents  small  bushes  during  its  vernal  stay, 
but  we  have  never  known  it  to  resort  to  high 
trees.  Its  flight  is  low,  slightly  undulating,  and 
moderately  sustained. 

The  food  of  this  species  in  the  spring  consists 
mainly  of  the  seeds  of  weeds  and  grasses,  and 
insects  of  terrestrial  habits.  The  flowers  of  Ta- 
raxacum Dens-leonis,  and  matured  seeds  of  the 
same,  are  also  greedily  eaten.  The  following 
insects  constitute  a  conspicuous  portion  of  its 
diet  \—^Pangiis  cdliginosus,  Scarites  subterraneus, 
Harpalus  pensylvanicus,  Lachnostema  qitercina, 
Cr atony  chus  cinereus,  Casnonia  pennsylvanica,  Dona- 
da  confluenta,  Ckrysomela  c&ruleipennis,  among 
coleoptera;  CEdipoda  sulphured,  CE.  nebulosa, 


352  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF' BIRDS 

Caloptenus  fcmur-rubrurn.  and  Ac  he  to,  nigra 
among  orthoptera;  besides  Formica  sanguinca  and 
various  species  of  Aphidcc.  In  the  autumn  it  sub- 
sists upon  the  seeds  of  Zizauia  aquatica,  Setaria 
italica,  Poa  comprcssa  and  the  tassels  of  corn.  It 
is  now  in  a  very  fine  condition  and  is  eagerly 
hunted  by  the  sportsman  for  the  peculiar  flavor 
and  delicacy  of  its  flesh. 

The  song  of  the  Bobolink  is  pre-eminently  its 
own,  and  cannot  be  compared  to  that  of  any  of  our 
feathered  songsters.  For  variety,  rapidity,  and 
peculiar  and  touching  pathos  and  melody  of  its  tune 
and  expression,  it  cannot  be  excelled.  It  is  clearly 
the  most  attractive  and  pleasing  of  all  our  original 
sorigsters.  It  is  rather  amusing  to  listen  to  a  con- 
cert which  is  sometimes  given  when  a  number  of 
birds  have  congregated  together  seemingly  'for 
this  avowed  purpose.  The  performance  is  begun 
by  one  bird  taking  the  lead,  to  be  followed  by 
another,  and  so 'on  until  the  entire  choir  have 
joined  their  voices,  each  following  the  example  of 
the  leader,  and  seemingly  at  a  given  signal.  A 
perfect  medley  of  sounds  is  thus  produced,  far 
from  being  unpleasing,  and  to  which  the  pen 
would  be  powerless  to  do  justice.  This  concert 
is  repeated  whenever  the  flock  alights. 

The  female  is  modest,  retiring,  and  humble  in  her 
deportment,  always  keeping  near  the  ground,  and 
is  attended  by  several  aspirants  for  her  affection. 
Each  endeavors  to  outsing  his  competitors.  After 
a  very  exciting  contest  the  rivalries  are  settled; 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.         .  353 

the  rejected  suitors  are  driven  away  by  the  suc- 
cessful aspirant,  and  efforts  are  made  by  the  loving- 
pair  to  build  themselves  a  home.  It  is  on  such 
occasions  that  their  song  appears  to  the  best  ad- 
vantage. It  is  in  the  eccentric  pauses  which 
happen  in  the  midst  of  their  song  that  we  detect 
the  word  "bob-o-link;'  so  distinctly  enunciated  as 
not  to  be  misconstrued. 

When  the  contests  arc  over,  the  birds  select  a 
suitable  locality  for  a  nest.  A  meadow  is  chosen 
as  its  site.  The  nest  is  built  upon  the  ground, 
and  so  artfully  concealed  by  enveloping  grasses, 
as  to  be  very  difficult  to  discover.  It  is  com- 
posed of  flexible  grasses  most  carefully  wrought 
into  a  shallow  and  compact  nest. 

When  the  female  is  brooding  over  her  charge, 
the  male  is  hovering  over  the  nest  uttering  his 
incessant  love-song,  or  else  is  swaying  to  and  fro 
upon  some  slender  weed,  eloquent  with  melody. 
As  domestic  cares  and  responsibilities  increase, 
hit  song  is  heard  less  frequently,  until  finally  it 
ceases  altogether. 

The  eggs  are  five  in  number,  and  g-enerally 
marked  with  rufous-brown  and  lavender  blotches 
upon  a  white  background,  which  sometimes  pre- 
sents a  tinge  of  drab  or  olive.  They  measure  .90 
of  an  inch  in  length  and  .70  in  breadth. 

This  species  is  single-brooded.  It  breeds  from 
the  42 d  to  the  54th  parallel  of  latitude  in  North 
America,  being  particularly  abundant  in  certain 
localities. 

w 


354  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

Moiothrus  pecoris,  Swainson. 

This  well-known  species,  the  Cowbird,  though 
an  early  visitor  in  Massachusetts,  which  according 
to  the  authority  of  Samuels  makes  its  appearance 
there  as  early  as  the  middle  of  March,  from  some 
cause  or  other,  has  never  been  observed  by  us 
earlier,  than  the  second  week  of  April,  long  after 
the  bluebird,  robin,  and  blackbird  have  made  the 
fields  and  woods  resound  with  their  melodies.  Its 
arrival  is  announced  by  the  coming  of  the  warblers 
and  sparrows  between  whom  and  it  exist  such 
mysterious  relations.  The  anomalous  habit  which 
the  female  Cowbird  possesses  of  visiting  the  nests 
of  smaller  birds  when  she  wishes  to  oviposit,  and 
thus  shifting  a.  responsibility  which  she  should 
alone  assume,  is  quite  familiar. 

It  is  probable  that  in  primitive  times  all  species 
were  equally  as  social  and  gregarious  as  the  one 
under  consideration;  and  that  the  present  system 
of  mating  which  is  certainly  an  index  of  a  high 
state  of  improvement,  has  been  gradually  evolved. 

The  art  of  nest-building  has,  doubtless,  also  been 
slowly  acquired.  In  some  families  it  has  attained 
a  wonderful  degree  of  perfection ;  while  in  others 
it  may  be  said  to  -be  in  its  infancy.  With  the 
Cowbird,  either  it  has  never  been  studied,  so  to 
speak,  or  else  it  is  a  lost  art  which  has  never  been 
restored. 

This  species  is  exceedingly  shy  and  suspicious, 
and  can  be  approached  only  with  the  greatest  pre- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  355 

caution.  It  is  eminently  gregarious,  and,  like  most 
of  its  family  relatives,  is  exceedingly  terrestrial  in 
its  habits  of  feeding;  occasionally  visiting,  however, 
small  trees  and  bushes,  more  for  repose  than 
aught  else.  It  is  chiefly  a  denizen  of  dense  forests, 
and  waste  fields  overgrown  with  bramble  bushes 
and  shrubs. 

Its  flight  is  moderately  lofty  and  quite  well  sus- 
tained, resembling  somewhat  that  of  the  Icteriinc?. 

The  Cowbird  subsists  upon  seeds,  grains,  and 
berries  of  various  kinds,  besides  divers  insects. 
We  have  detected  in  our  examinations,  the  grains 
of  Triticum  vulgare,  Secale  cereale,  and  Hordeum 
vulgare;  besides  the  seeds  of  Amarantus  hybridus, 
^A.  albus,  Phleiim  pratense,  and  Trifolium  pratense. 
The  berries  of  Juniperus  communis,  J.  Virginiana, 
Pnmus  serotina,  Pnmus  cerasus,  Fragaria  Vir- 
giniana,  Rubus  villosus,  R.  strigosus,  R.  occidentalis, 
Amelanchier  canadensis,  Vaccinium  stamineum,  and 
Liquidanibar  styracifliia^z  devoured  with  a  gusto. 
The  following  insects  constitute  a  portion  of  its 
bill  of  fare : — Diccelus  dilatatus,  Pangus  caliginosus, 
Cymindis  viridipennis,  Scaritcs  subterraneus,  Cra- 
tonychus  cinereus,  C.  pertinax,  Harpahis  pensylva- 
nicus,  Haltica  chalybca,  Macrodactyla  subspinosa, 
Cetonia  inda,  and  other  beetles;  Formica  sanguinea, 
F.  subtcrranca,  Apis  mellifica,  Selandria  ros&,  &c., 
among  hymenoptera;  besides  aphides,  diptera, 
earthworms,  and  lepidopterous  forms  of  Zerene 
catenaria,  Ennomos  subsignaria,  Chcerodes  trans- 
versata,  Hybemia  tiliaria,  Utetheisa  bella,  Eiidryas 


356  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

grata,  Clisiocampa  Americana,  Colias  philodice^ 
and  many  of  the  Noctuidce,  Tortricidcz,  and  Tineidcz 
in  their  larval  and  perfect  stages. 

The  Cowbird  delights  to  visit  ploughed  grounds, 
where  in  small  flocks  it  will  glean  for  a  long  time, 
unless  disturbed.  In  pasture-grounds  where  the 
cattle  are  grazing,  it  is  a  common  visitor,  nestling 
among  the  cattle  and  sometimes  alighting  upon 
their  backs  and  relieving  them  of  their  dipterous 
tormentors  which  serve  it  as  food;  or  else  search- 
ing among  their  droppings  for  the  same.  At 
times  it  is  somewhat  rasorial. 

It  has  no  attractions  as  a  singer,  and  scarcely 
deserves  the  name.  Its  notes  are  harsh  and 
unmusical. 

The  species  which  seem  to  be  the  objects  of  its 
special  regard  in  this  section,  are  comprehended 
within  the  three  families  of  the  Sylvicolidcz,  Virco- 
nidcc,  and  Fringillidcc.  We  have  detected  its  eggs 
within  the  nests  of  the  following  species: — . 
Geothlypis  trie  has,  Dcndrceca  <zstiva,  Seiurus  au- 
rotapillus,  Sctophaga  ru  tic  ilia,  Virco  olivaceus,  V. 
novcboraccnsis,  V.  gilvus,  Spizella  socialis,Melospiza 
melodia,  and  Cyauospiza  cyanca.  There  is  usually 
but  one  egg  deposited  in  the  nest,  although  we 
have  frequently  discovered  two,  and  but  rarely 
three.  When  the  egg  is  laid  within  the  nest  of 
the  Summer  Yellow  Bird,  a  remarkable  degree  of 
sagacity  is  manifested  when  there  is  lacking  ability 
necessary  to  its  removal.  To  frustrate  the  design 
of  its  author  by  preventing  its  hatching,  the  birds 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  357 

« 

set  to  work  and  completely  cover  it  by  an  addition 
to  the  inside  of  the  nest. 

As  a  general  thing,  the  Cowbird  deposits  her 
eggs  in  the  nests  of  birds  smaller  than  herself; 
but  this  is  not  always  the  case  as  instances  are 
recorded  where  they  were  dropped  into  the  nests 
of  Turdus  mustelinus  and  Smrnella  magna;  but 
we  have  never  discovered  any  such  cases.  Why 
the  smaller  birds  should  be  the  recipients  of  such 
unsolicited  favors,  it  is  difficult  to  guess,  unless  the 
cowardly  spirit  of  the  species  under  consideration, 
operates  to  prevent  similar  discourtesies  being 
shown  where  they  would  probably  be  resented. 
As  a  proof  of  such  cowardice  might  be  cited  the 
stealthy  manner  in  which  the  Cowbird  approaches 
the  nest  of  any  of  the  foregoing  species.  She  is 
ever  on  the  alert  for  fear  of  detection.  In  case  of 
discovery,  she  takes  to  flight,  often  failing  to  ac- 
complish her  wish;  but  when  suddenly  pressed, 
she  is  constrained  to  drop  her  egg,  thus  account- 
ing for  the  fact  that  eggs  are  frequently  seen 
upon  the  ground,  either  entire  or  broken. 

It  is  said  that  the  egg  of  the  Cowbird  hatches 
rather  sooner  than  those  of  the  species  among 
which  it  is  found,  and  from  this  it  is  argued  by 
some  that  it  is  a  wise  provision  of  nature,  which, 
were  it  otherwise,  would  defeat  the  end  which  she 
had  in  view.  Experience  has  taught  us  that  a  set- 
ting of  eggs  is  sometimes  longer  in  hatching  than 
others.  The  difference  of  time  is  evidently  due 
to  variation  in  the  amount  of  heat  to  which  the 


35  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   BIRDS 

eggs  are  subjected.  Now  the  egg  of  the  Cow- 
bird  being  perceptibly  larger  than  the  'others, 
would  receive  more  heat  from  the  body  of  the 
foster-mother  than  the  latter's  own,  for  the  obvious 
reason  that  it  would  be  in  closer  proximity  to  the 
source  of  heat.  This  in  our  judgment  will  satis- 
factorily explain  its  much  shorter  period  of  incuba- 
tion. Were  the  eggs  hatched  by  their  rightful 
mother,  it  is  probable  that  the  period  would  vary 
but  a  trifle,  if  any,  from  that  of  the  rusty  blackbird. 
Like  the  Cuckoos  of  Europe,  this  species  never 
builds  a  nest,  and  never  hatches  or  attempts  to 
rear  her  own  offspring;  but,  as  before  remarked, 
practises  imposition  upon  other  species,  which, 
either  unconscious  of  the  fraud,  or  unable  to  rid 
themselves  of  the  foreigner,  are  constrained  to 
hatch  the  alien  at  the  peril  of  their  own  offspring. 
The  egg  of  the  Cowbird  hatching  sooner,  the 
stronger  has  increased  somewhat  in  size,  when 
the  others  are  hatched,  and  having  an  insatiable 
appetite,  and  continually  clamoring  for  food,  it 
grows  at  the  expense  of  its  foster-companions 
which  either  stifle  or  die  from  starvation,  and  are 
carried  away  by  their  parents \  to  some  distance 
from  the  nestT  It  is  well-known  that  some  species 
are  not  slow  in  detecting  the  intrusion,  which, 
when  they  have  done  so,  they  do  not  hesitate  to 
get  rid  of  immediately.  Mr.  J.  A.  Allen,  says  Dr. 
Brewer,  saw  a  female  Hyporhynchus  rufus  feeding 
a  Cowbird  in  Western  Iowa,  which  had  nearly  at- 
tained maturity.  This  is  the  only  recorded  proof 


OF   EASTERN   PENNSYLVANIA.  359 

that  we  have  that  these  birds  are  raised  by  others 
of  greater  size. 

The  eggs  of  the  Cow  Blackbird  are  round-oval 
and  nearly  equally  rounded  at  either  extremity. 
They  are  ordinarily  marked  with  fine  cinereous 
and  purplish-brown  dottings  upon  a  white  ground- 
color, which  render  the  latter  undistinguishable. 
Others  have  purple  and  light  brown  dashes  and 
blotches  over  their  surface.  They  vary  from  .86 
to  about  an  inch  in  length,  and  from  .64  to  .70  in 
breadth. 

Agelceus  ph&niceus,  Vi eil  1 . 

The  Swamp  Blackbird  as  this  species  is  com- 
monly designated  from  the  peculiar  fondness 
which  it  affects  for  swamps  and  low  humid  grounds, 
seldom  appears  earlier  than  the  first  of  April. 
Like  Quiscalus  versicolor  it  is  exceedingly  sociable, 
many  pairs  building  within  a  few  paces  of  each 
other  in  the  same  swamp  or  meadow.  On  their 
first  arrival  they  consort  together  in  high  open 
fields,  where  their  songs  may  be  heard  at  some- 
what regular  intervals,  from  early  morn  until  long 
after  the  sun  has  sunk  to  rest.  At  this  time  the 
birds  are  rather  shy  and  can  be  approached  only 
with  great  difficulty.  Eminently  terrestrial  whilst 
feeding,  they  are  occasionally  found  within  bushes, 
upon  small  trees,  and  also  upon  fence-rails  during 
the  season  of  mating,  where  the  males  pour  forth 
their  melodies  into  the  ears  of  their  listening 
females,  each  one  straining1  to  outvie  the  other; 


360  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

and  ever  and  anon  a  half-dozen  voices  are  heard 
nearly  at  the  same  instant,  producing  a  perfect 
medley  of  sounds.  While  the  females  are  incuba- 
ting, and  even  afterwards  up  till  the  time  of  their 
departure,  we  are  greeted  with  the  same  curious 
yet  agreeable  reception  on  every  return  to  accus- 
tomed haunts. 

The  flight  of  this  species  is  low,  firm,  and  but 
slightly  protracted. 

Its  song  is  loud,  clear,  and  resonant,  and  has  a 
pleasing  intonation  which  when  once  heard  cannot 
be  forgotten.  It  is  not  continuous,  but  is  produced 
at  somewhat  graduated  intervals.  It  resembles 
tiwa-ker-ee  uttered  with  a  rising  inflection.  Its 
call-note  is  a  simple  tchlck. 

Mating  ordinarily  begins  about  the  2oth  of 
April  in  favorable  seasons,  and  by  the  28th  of  the 
same  month,  or  the  beginning  of  May,  th  ebirds 
are  ready  for  building.  A  nest  is  constructed 
within  a  tussock  of  grass,  but  generally  upon  the 
alder  bushes  so  common  along  the  borders  of 
meadow  streams,  where  the  young  are  less  liable 
to  the  attacks  of  such  snakes  as  the  Bascanion 
constrictor  and  Tropidonotus  sipcdon,  which  have 
such  a  decided  penchant  for  such  fare.  Those 
built  upon  bushes  are  more  symmetrical  and  com- 
pact in  structure  than  those  which  are  placed  upon 
small  mounds  in  swampy  situations,  and  display 
occasional  patches  of  mud,  exteriorly.  The  latter 
are  surrounded  by  tall  overarching  grasses,  and 
have  in  consequence  a  looseness  of  arrangement 
and  will  scarcely  bear  manipulation. 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  361 

In  the  selection  of  a  locality  there  is  a  manifest 
evidence  of  design.  High  grounds  are  seldom 
chosen  for  nidification,  for  the  obvious  reason  that 
the  birds  are  not  so  apt  to  meet  with  such  a  ready 
and  full  supply  of  the  various  insects  that  pander 
to  their  appetites  as  in  the  former  situations.  The 
insects  which  afford  them  nourishment  in  such 
localities  are  the  aquatic  larvae  and  imagos  of 
ephemerids,  libellulas,  and  mosquitoes,  which  are 
denizens  of  shallow  pools.  The  following  insects 
contribute  to  its  bill  of  fare  during  ity  stay: — 
Culex  tceniorhynchus,  Anopheles  quadrimaculatns, 
Tabamis  lineola,  Stomoxys  calcitrant,  Tipida  fer- 
ruginea,  larvae  of  smaller  dragon  flies,  and  cater- 
pillars of  Hybernia  tiliaria,  Anisopteryx  vernata, 
Utetheisa  bclla,  Ennomos  subsignaria,  Argynnis 
aphrodite,  Colias  philodice,  and  mature  forms  of 
Spilosoma  Virginica,  Halesidota  tessellaris,  Litho- 
sia  miniata,  and  many  of  the  Lyt&nid&i  Noctuidc?, 
and  Tortricidce ;  together  with  Aphides,  Coccidce, 
ants,  and  earthworms.  These  last  two,  together 
with  small  beetles,  the  birds  procure  while 
gleaning  upon  fallow  ground.  The  seeds  of 
various  weeds  and  grasses,  besides  the  berries  of 
Juniperus  Virginiana,  Prumis  cerasus,  P.  serotina, 
Amelan  chiercanadcnsis,  Fragaria  Virginiana, 
Rubus  villosus,  R.  strigosus,  and  Vacciniuw 
stamineum,  are  also  eagerly  relished. 

It  has  been  affirmed  that  the  Red  Wing  is  very 
destructive  to  farmers'  crops,  but  as  far  as  our 
experience  extends,  the  damage  which  it  commits 


362  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

is  small  in  comparison  with  the  good  which  it 
accomplishes.  When  a  cornfield  is  in  close  prox- 
imity to  a  meadow,  it  is  highly  probable  that  a  few 
grains  may  be  exhumed,  or  a  few  tender  shoots 
uprooted  in  early  spring,  but  we  are  certain  that 
during  the  breeding-season  the  birds  are  so 
attached  to  their  favorite  haunts,  as  not  to  be 
induced  to  forsake  them  without  urgent  necessity. 
In  the  autumn  they  may  visit  the  cornfields  and 
pluck  a  few  grains  from  the  standing  shocks,  but 
in  view  of  the  manifold  advantages  which  we  de- 
rive from  the  myriads  of  insects  which  they 
destroy,  we  should  not  grudge  them  a  mere 
pittance  of  corn. 

A  typical  nest  is  composed  of  stubble  and 
coarse  grasses  intermingled  together,  and  lined 
with  soft  meadow  grasses  which  make  a  cozy 
interior.  As  before  remarked,  the  outside  of 
nests  which  are  built  in  bushes,  exhibit  small 
patches  of  mud  which  help  to  strengthen  and  bind 
the  ingredients  more  compactly  together;  in 
ground  nests,  mud  is  an  unnoticeable  feature. 
The  nest  measures  five  inches  in  diameter  and 
three  in  height,  and  has  a  cavity  three  inches  wide 
at  the  rim  and  one  and  a  half  deep.  It  requires 
the  joint  labor  of  the  sexes  about  five  days  to 
complete  a  nest,  working  during  the  mornings  and 
evenings.  The  nest  completed,  on  the  ensuing 
day  the  female  begins  to  deposit  her  eggs  at  the 
rate  of  one  per  day,  until  the  full  complement  is 
laid,  which  requires  a  period  of  five  days.  Incu- 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  363 

bation  succeeds  on  the  day  following  the  last 
deposit,  and  continues  for  fifteen  days;  the  sole 
duty  devolving  upon  the  female,  while  her  partner, 
like  a  dutiful  husband,  guards  her  from  intrusion 
when  not  engaged  in  "providing  her  with  food. 
When  the  nest  is  disturbed,  the  parent-birds  flutter 
over  the  intruder,  uttering  the  most  piteous  cries, 
which  are  enough  to  strike  a  sympathetic  chord 
in  the  bosom  of  even  the  most  relentless  person. 
After  the  nest  has  been  ravished,  both  parents 
perched  upon  a  bush  or  a  small  tree,  continue 
their  lamentations  for  a  half-hour  afterwards.  The 
most  intense  affection  is  displayed  for  the  young, 
and  the  most  devoted  attention  is  bestowed  upon 
them.  They  are  fed  upon  earthworms,  plant-lice, 
diptera,  and  the  caterpillars  of  the  various  lepi- 
doptera  which  we  have  mentioned  above.  The 
young  quit  the  nest  in  about  fourteen  days  after 
hatching,  and  in  twelve  days  more  are  able  to  shift 
for  themselves.  Both  young  and  old  remain  in 
their  accustomed  haunts,  and  collect  in  small  flocks, 
until  ready  to  depart  for  their  winter  homes,  during, 
the  last  of  September,  or  the  early  part  of  October. 
The  eggs  are  oval  and  marbled,  blotched,  and 
streaked  with  light  and  dark  purple  upon  a  light 
bluish  background,  mainly  about  the  larger  ex- 
tremity. The  average  length  is  i.oi  inches,  and 
breadth  .76.  The  species  is  single-brooded  in 
Eastern  Pennsylvania,  whilst  farther  south  it  is 
affirmed  to  be  triple-brooded,  or  even  more. 


364  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

Shuiiella  magna,  Swainson. 

This  beautiful  species,  the  Meadow  Lark,  though 
very  common  in  this  latitude  during  the  breeding- 
season,  appears  from  the  ist  to  the  I5th  of  April. 
Unlike  the  purple  grakle  which  is  gregarious  in 
early  spring,  this  species  arrives  from  the  South 
seemingly  already  paired  for  the  essential  duties 
of  nidification,  incubation,  &c.  It  is  particularly 
fond  of  lowlands  which  it  occasionally  deserts  for 
more  elevated  situations,  and  manifests  a  degree 
a  shyness  and  retirement  which  is  scarcely  sur- 
passed by  none.  During  some  mild  winters,  we 
have  discerned  this  species  in  quiet  and  sheltered 
valleys  along  the  Wissahickon  creek,  subsisting 
upon  the  seeds,  berries,  and  coleoptera,  which  it 
is  able  to  procure.  It  shuns  rather  than  courts 
the  society  of  man,  although  in  Georgia  and  South 
Carolina,  according  to  Wilson,  it  swarms  among 
the  rice  plantations,  and  consorts  with  the  Killdeer 
Plovers  about  yards  and  out-buildings  where  it 
makes  itself  perfectly  familiar. 

The  song  of  the  Meadow  Lark  is  characterized 
by  great  sweetness.  During  the  love-season  they 
£>erch  upon  a  bush,  or  tree,  or  any  other  elevated 
object,  give  utterance  to  notes  which  for  sweetness 
and  tenderness  of  expression,  are  unrivalled  by 
few  of  our  birds.  These  notes  are  sometimes 
varied  by  a  few  chattering  calls  which  add  nought 
to  their  improvement. 

The  flight  of  this  bird  is  generally  low,  undulat- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  365 

ing,  and  protracted.  In  the  procurement  of  food 
its  habits  are  mainly  terrestrial;  occasionally  ar- 
boreal, particularly  during  the  breeding-period. 

Its  food  consists  of  the  seeds  of  various  plant- 
species,  berries,  and  insects.  We  have  found  it 
feeding  upon  the  seeds  of  grasses,  and  the  berries 
of  Pmnus  cerasus,  P.  serotina,  Fragaria  Virginiana, 
and  Rubus  villosiis.  During  the  early  part  of  the 
season  it  derives  sustenance  from  the  following 
coleopterous  and  orthopterous  insects: — Harpalus 
pensylvanicus,  If.  compar,  Dictzlus  dilatatus,  Pan- 
gus  caliginosus,  Cr atony  chus  cinereus,  Cetonia  inda, 
Anomala  varians,  Chrysomela  c<zruleipennis,  CEdi- 
poda  sulphured,  CE.  nebulosa,  and  Caloptenus  fcmur- 
rubriun.  When  with  young,  which  are  also  fed 
thereon,  the  caterpillars  of  Eiidamus  tilyrus,  Ar- 
gynnis  myrina,  A.  bellona,  A  gratis  tessellata,  Cal- 
limorpha  lecontei,  Ennomos  subsignaria,  Ck&rodes 
transversata,  Anisopteryx  vernata,  Zerene  catenaria, 
mature  forms  of  Colias philodice,  Harrisina  Ameri- 
cana, Utetheisa  bella,  and  many  of  the  Lyccenida, 
Tortridda,  are  in  great  demand.  Besides  the 
foregoing,  various  aphides,  ants,  'and  earthworms, 
are  also  eaten. 

Building  operations  do  not  ordinarily  commence 
earlier  than  the  last  of  April,  or  the  beginning  of 
May;  the  intei*val  of  time  between  arrival  and  nidi- 
fication,  being  employed,  judging  from  the  ma- 
noeuvres of  the  birds,  in  the  selection  of  a  desira- 
ble and  suitable  locality.  The  site  chosen  is  not 
always  a  meadow.  Mr,  Samuels  affirms,  the 


366  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

locality  is  generally  a  meadow  or  low  field.  We 
have  as  often  found  the  nest  on  upland  in  a  field 
of  red  clover,  or  one  of  timothy  grass.  In  such 
situations  it  reposes  in  a  concavity  of  the  earth, 
partially  hidden  and  protected  by  enveloping  and 
over-arching  grasses.  Nuttall's  description  thereof, 
though  correct  in  his  day,  according  to  our  expe- 
rience, needs  some  modification.  As  the  nest  of 
the  same  species  varies  somewhat  with  change  of 
locality,  this  difference  doubtless  can  be  attributed 
thereto.  According  to  that  eminent  authority  "it 
is  compact,  made  of  wiry  grass,  to  which  a  hidden 
and  almost  winding  path  is  made,  and  generally  so 
well  concealed  that  the  nest  is  only  to  be  found 
when  the  bird  is  flushed."  We  have  always 
observed  a  looseness  of  arrangement  in  the  struc- 
ture. The  nest  is  built  externally  of  the  hollow 
stems  and  leaves  of  Phleinn  pratense  which  are 
accumulated  in  the  bottom  to  insure  protection 
from  the  dampness  of  the  ground.  The  period  of 
nidification  is  about  four  clays.  The  labor  of 
building  is  mutually  shared  by  both  sexes.  Ovipo- 
sition  commences  on  the  clay  succeeding  the  com- 
pletion of  the  nest,  and  lasts  from  four  to  five  days, 
according  to  the  number  of  eggs  laid,  which  is  at 
the  rate  of  one  egg  per  day.  Incubation  occurs 
sometimes  on  the  day  of  the  last*  deposit,  but 
most  generally  on  the  ensuing  day,  and  lasts  from 
14  to  15  days,  according  to  several  observations. 
The  duty  devolves  exclusively  upon  the  female, 
while  the  male  bird  contributes  to  her  maintenance. 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  367 

It  is  seldom  that  the  hen  bird  can  be  detected 
on  the  nest.  When  alarmed  by  approaching 
.danger,  there  is  no  sudden  uprising  or  whirring 
of  wings.  Aware  of  imminent  peril,  she  quietly 
slips  out  of  the  nest,  and  noiselessly  winds  her 
way  through  the  thicket  of  grasses,  along  a  well- 
beaten  path  which  had  been  made  for  the  purpose. 
The  male  is  seldom  observed.  In  case  of  moles- 
tation of  the  nest,  not  the  slightest  fuss  is  made. 

The  young  leave  the  nest  when  fifteen  days  old, 
and  in  ten  days  are  prepared  to  support  them- 
selves. In  the  autumn  the  birds  collect  inr small 
Hocks,  and  thus  retire  to  the  south,  where  among 
the  salt  marshes  of  Alabama,  and  West  Florida, 
according  to  Mr.  Nuttall,  they  seek  food  and  shelter. 
In  England,  individuals  of  this  species  have  oc- 
curred, so  says  Mr.  Sclater. 

The  eggs  are  oval,  and  have  reddish-brown  spots 
upon  a  white  ground-color.  These  spots  are 
mostly  equally  diffused;  occasionally  they  are 
mainly  found  about  the  larger  extremity.  The 
eggs  vary  much  in  size,  the  smallest  coining  from 
Florida,  and  the  largest  from  Massachusetts.  In 
Eastern  Pennsylvania  the  ordinary  measurement 
is  i  .18  by  .82  of  an  inch. 

The  variations  that  exist  in  the  eggs  of  the 
Meadow  Lark  are  doubtless  due  to  the  difference 
in  the  age  of  the  parents,  and  also  to  the  circum- 
stances under  which  the  eggs  are  deposited. 
Those  of  old,  mature  birds,  laid  in  early  summer,  or 
the  first  brood,  are  usually  sub-globular  or  bluntly- 


368  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

pointed  at  one  extremity,  large  in  size,  and  irr egu- 
larly  marked  with  fine  red  dots;  whereas  the  eggs 
of  younger  birds,  or  those  breeding  for  the  first* 
time,  or  those  that  have  been  robbed,  or  have  a 
third  set,  have  eggs  smaller,  more/  oblong  and 
more  pointed  at  one  extremity  than  the  others,  and 
marked  at  the  larger  end  only  with  dark-purplish 
plashes.  In  this  latitude  there  is  but  a  single 
brood  in  a  season. 

Subfamily  Icterinae.      Orioles. 

Thia>  family  comprehends  species  that  are  both 
insectivorous  and  frugivorous.  They  are  non- 
gregarious,  mainly  arboricole,  and  are  distin- 
guished for  their  pleasing  song,  brilliant  and 
strikingly  contrasted  colors,  and  elaborately  woven 
pensile  nest.  The  bill  is  more  attenuated,  more 
acute,  and  relatively  longer;  and  the  feet  weaker, 
and  better  adapted  to  perching  than  most  of  the 
species  of  the  last  subfamily.  Three  of  our  species 
ane  abundant  and  migratory  in  the  summer;  the 
residue  attaining  our  Southern  border  from  tropi- 
cal America;  but  two  of  which  are  denizens  of 
Eastern  Pennsylvania. 

Icterus  spurius,  Bonap. 

The  Orchard  Oriole  is  quite  as  common  as  its 
nearest  relative,  and  reaches  Eastern  Pennsylvania 
not  earlier  than  the  first  of  May.  It  is  fend  of 
cultivated  grounds,  particularly  old  orchards  which 
it  visits  on  its  arrival,  and  where  it  remains  until 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  369 

its  departure  during  the  last  of  September.  At 
first  it  is  rather  wild,  but  as  the  season  for  mating 
arrives,  it  becomes  rather  tame  and  unsuspicious, 
and  can  be  readily  approached.  We  have  seldom, 
if  ever,  observed  the  species  in  waste  grounds,  in 
dense  thickets,  or  along  the  borders  of  woods,  ex- 
cept where  orchards  were  adjoining  the  latter. 

The  flight  of  this  species  is  low,  graceful,  undu- 
lating, and  but  slightly  protracted.  This  bird  is 
strictly  arboricole.  We  have  never  observed  it 
gleaning  upon  the  ground,  although  it  may  proba- 
bly do  so  at  times.  It  is  active,  sprightly,  and  viva- 
cious, and  is  remarkable  for  its  song  which  is  enun- 
ciated in  a  hurried  and  energetic  manner.  By 
some  it  is  considered  as  a  medley  of  agreeable 
gushing  notes  which  the  listener  in  his  inability  to 
follow  thus  characterizes.  The  performance  con- 
sists of  rather  shrill  and  sprightly  notes,  uttered 
xvith  apparent  agitation,  and  are  quite  as  distinct 
and  pleasing  as  those  of  Icterus  baltimore,  but  lack 
their  richness.  Shortly  after  his  arrival,  the  male 
bird  seeks  the  topmost  branch  of  a  pear  or  maple 
tree,  and  for  a  half-hour  at  a  time,  unmindful  of 
passers-by,  makes  the  neighborhood  resound  with 
his  melody.  After  nesting  is  begun,  and  par- 
ticularly during  the  incubating  process  and 
while  with  young,  his  song  is  seldom  heard. 
Occasionally  a  young  and  inexperienced  male,  in 
the  exuberance  of  his  joy,  will  break  forth  in 
wanton  rhapsodies  to  the  peril  of  his  nest  and  its 
contents.  The  following  syllables  uttered  loudly, 


370  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

distinctly,  and  with  an  energy  which,  hardly  can  be 
surpassed,  will  express  a  portion  of  its  truly 
remarkable  ditty: — tivche-che-che-che,  varied  occa- 
sionally by  fwdh-fwdk-cJie-che-che-che-che. 

The  food  of  the  Orchard  Oriole  is  almost'exclu- 
sjvely  insects,  of  which  it  devours  immense  num- 
bers; particularly  those  kinds  which  perpetrate 
immense  mischief  in  preying  upon  the  fruit  and 
foliage  of  trees.  For  the  incalculable  amount  of 
good  which  they  accomplish,  they  are  general 
favorites  among  husbandmen,  and  wherever  pro- 
tected, show  their  appreciation  of  this  good-will  by 
their  presence  and  familiarity.  They  are  wholly 
innocent  of  injury  to  crops,  and  we  know  of  only 
one  instance  where  accusations  have  been  pre- 
ferred against  them.  At  a  meeting  of  the  Phila- 
delphia Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  held  June 
2,  1874,  Mr.  Thomas  Meehan  stated  "that  he  was 
not  familiar  with  latest  knowledge  in  ornithology, 
that  not  being  a  special  study  with  him;  but  if 
Wilson's  Ornithology  contained  all  that  was  known 
of  the  habits  of  the  Orchard  Oriole — O.riolus 
mutatus — he  might  say  that  the  bird  did  not  con- 
fine itself  solely  to  insect-food.  He  had  on  his 
grounds  a  large  specimen  of  the  Staphylca  trifolia, 
which,  when  in  bloom,  was  a  favorite  resort  with 
bumblebees  and  humming-birds,  and  the  Oriole 
took  its  share  of  honey  from  the.  flowers  as  well. 
It  did  not  rest  on  the  wing  as  the  humming-bird 
did,  but  sought  a  lower  branch  from  which  it  could 
leisurely  extract  the  sweets. from  the  flowers  above, 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  371 

He  had  thought  it  possible  that  the  bird  was  in 
search  of  insects  among  the  flowers,  but  a  careful 
examination  proved  otherwise/' 

Early  in  the  season  it  subsists  upon  Ilarpaliis 
pensylvauicus,  Chrysomela,  cczruleipennis,  Donacia 
confluenta,  Cymindis  viridipennis,  Cratonychus  cin- 
creus,  among  beetles;  Aphis  inali,  A.  roscz,  and 
other  aphides,  among  hemiptera;  small  spiders, 
and  Apis  mellifica,  Fornica  sanguined,  Megackilc 
centuncularis,  Selandria  rosce,  S.  vitis,  Halicti,  and 
Andrena.  Later,  and  while  with  young,  immense 
numbers  of  caterpillars  are  consumed,  of  which 
the  following  are  a  part:—- Anisopteryx  vernata, 
A.  pomstaria*  Chcerodes  transversata,  Zerene  cate- 
naria,  Eufitchia  ribearia,  Anisota  rubicunda,  Enno- 
mos  subsignaria,  and  mature  forms  of  Penthina 
poMonella,  Plusia  precationis,  Clisiocampct  Ameri- 
cana, Eudryas  grata,  and  many  of  the  Lyccenidcz, 
Tortriddcz,  and  Tineidcz.  Since  writing  the  above, 
we  have  detected  in  several  stomach-examina- 
tions, fragments  of  the  petals,  stamens,  and  pistil^, 
apparently  of  Pynis  mains,  and  P.  communis. 

Mr.  Samuels  in  describing  its  nest  in  Massachu- 
setts says,  substantially,  it  is  deposited  in  a  forked 
branch  of  a  tree  in  an  orchard,  at  an  elevation  of 
not  more  than  twenty  feet  from  the  ground,  and 
constructed  of  different  grasses  neatly  and  com- 
pactly woven  together,  the  whole  being  lined  with 
fine  grasses  and  a  few  hairs.  Further  he  says, 
"it  is  not  pensile  but  built  on  a  branch."  Its  style 
of  architecture  varies  no  doubt  with  the  latitude, 


372  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

as  the  many  nests  which  we  have  examined,  inclu- 
ding many  in  our  collection,  with  one  or  two 
exceptions,  were  of  a  decidedly  pensile  character, 
uniform  in  composition,  and  suspended  from  slen- 
der branchlets  after  the  fashion  of  Icterus  balti- 
more.  The  exceptional  nests  were  placed 
between  the  forked  branches  of  trees.  These 
nests  with  .but  two  exceptions  have  been  found 
upon  apple  and  pear  trees  in  close  proximity  to 
the  residence  of  man ;  the  others  were  built  on  the 
confines  of  forests  at  considerable  distance  there- 
from. It  is  probable  that  in  earlier  times  this 
species  was  as  timid  and  suspicious  as  others  that 
might  be  cited,  and  as  time  advanced,  gradually 
lost  its  timidity.  Familiarity  with  man,  the  result 
of  long  experience,  doubtless,  taught  it  to  regard 
him  irk  the  light  of  a  friend.  In  the  fact  that  nests 
are  occasionally  found  on  the  borders  of  immense 
thickets,  we '  have  a  hint  to  its  past  history.  In 
our  opinion,  reserve,  timidity,  and  distrust  were 
then  the  leading  elements  of  its  character,  as 
familiarity,  a  certain  degree  of  boldness,  and  con- 
fidence are  traits  which  now  stand  prominently 
forth. 

A  typical  nest  is  2  */£  inches  in  diameter,  and  4^ 
in  depth.  It  is  pouch-shaped  and  attached  to  the 
slender  twigs  of  an  apple  or  a  pear  tree  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  be  readily  swayed  to  and  fro  by*  a 
gentle  breeze.  It  is  built  of  the  soft  and  flexible 
leaves  of  a  species  of  Poa,  neatly  and  compactly 
woven  together,  and  lined  with  narrower  leaves  of 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  373 

closely  allied  plant-species.  The  site  selected  is 
usually  one  where  the  small  spurs  of  the  pear 
and  the  apple,  chiefly  the  former,  with  their  crowns 
of  leaves  can  meet  over  the  nest  and  thereby  form 
a  roof  which  will  protect  the  female  and  young 
from  inclement  weather. 

Mating  commences  about  the  i5th  of  May,  and 
by  the  2pth  of  the  month,  the  pair  are  ready  to 
commence  the  building  of  a  nest  which  is  the  joint 
labor  of  the  two  for  about  six  days.  Sometimes 
this  essential  business,  from  some  cause  or  other, 
is  deferred  until  about  the  middle  of  June,  and 
sometimes  still  later,  as  nests  with  tender  fledg- 
lings have  been  seen  in  the  early  part  of  August. 
The  nest  being  completed,  on  the  following  day 
the  female  begins  to  deposit  her  eggs  at  the  rate 
of  one  a  day,  which  requires  a  period  of  three  or 
four  days,  according  to  the  complement  laid;  the 
ordinary  number  being  four.  Incubation  then 
ensues,  sometimes  on  the  day  of  the  final  deposit, 
but  generally  on  the  succeeding  day.  The  period 
of  incubation  ranges  from  14  to  15  days.  This 
labor  is  performed  wholly  by  the  female,  the  male- 
bird  standing  guard  over  the  nest,  or  acting  as 
purveyor  of  food.  When  the  nest  is  assailed,  both 
birds  make  considerable  ado,  and  by  loud  cries 
and  menacing  gestures,  seek  to  deter  the  intruder 
from  any  contemplated  design,  even  venturing  to 
attack  him  with  a  boldness  that  deserves  com- 
mendation. 

Their   love  for    their   young  is  intense,  and  is 


374  LIFE-HISTORIES  O 

manifested  by  the  devotion  and  care  with  which 
they  attend  to  their  wants,  and  the  spirit  of  bravery 
they  display  in  their  defense.  The  young  are  fed 
upon  the  caterpillars  and  aphides  aforementioned, 
besides  spiders,  ants,  and  small  beetles ;  the  latter 
when  they  are  more  fully  matured.  The  young 
are  15  days  old  when  they  quit  the  nest.  In 
about  10  days  more  they  are  able  to  shift  for  them- 
selves. 

As  affirmed  by  Wilson,  this  Oriole  is  easily 
reared  from  the  nest,  and  in  confinement  becomes 
very  tame  and  familiar.  A  friend  of  ours  kept 
one  in  a  cage  for  several  years  which  whistled 
with  remarkable  clearness  and  spirit.  It  was  a 
particular  favorite  with  its  owner,  and  learned  to 
come  at  his  bidding;  and  at  a  given  signal  would 
pour  forth  its  choicest  music  with  an  energy  and 
power  thaj  were  truly  astonishing. 

The  sociability  of  this  species  is  remarkable, 
and  we  have  known  instances  where  five  nests 
were  found  in  the  same  orchard  within  a  short 
distance  of  each  other,  where  the  most  perfect 
good-feeling  and  harmony  prevailed.  Mr.  Audu- 
bon  cites  a  case  where  no  less  than  nine  were 
found  in  the  same  enclosure.  The  nests  which 
we  have  met  with  in  Pennsylvania,  all  compare  in 
composition  with  those  which  Dr.  Brewer  has  seen 
from  Georgia,  Florida,  Louisiana,  and  Texas,  in 
being  homogeneous,  and  composed  of  a  flexible 
kind  of  grass  or  reed. 

The  eggs  are  oblong-oval,  acuminate   at   one 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  375 

extremity,  with  pale  purple  blotches  upon  a  light 
bluish-white  ground,  and  dashed  with  a  few  deep, 
dark  purplish-brown  markings  at  the  larger  ex- 
tremity. In  Eastern  Pennsylvania  the  eggs 
measure  .88  of  an  inch  in  length  and  .58  in  breadth. 

Icterus  baltimore,  Daudin.  * 

The  Baltimore  Oriole,  the  Golden  Robin  of  the 
New  England  States,  is  one  of  the  most  common 
birds  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania,  where  he  arrives 
about  the  beginning  of  May.  His  brilliant  plumage, 
interesting  and  vivacious  manners,  his  rare  vocal 
powers  replete  with  variety,  beauty,  and  pathos, 
render  him  a  great  favorite  with  us,  notwithstanding 
his  peculiar  propensity  for  the  pea-vines  of  our 
gardens.  The  prematureness  and  '  tardiness  of 
the  season  neither  hasten  nor  retard  his  coming. 
We  are  reminded  of  his  presence  by  the  joyous 
welcome  with  which  he  greets  us  while  perched 
upon  the  top  of  some  tall  cherry,  close  to  our 
door,  or  still  taller  plane-tree.  The  male-birds 
are  always  unaccompanied  by  their  mates  which 
do  not  arrive  until  the  expiration  of  the  third  or 
fourth  clay. 

The  song  at  first  is  unusually  loud  and  shrill, 
and  partakes  somewhat  of  the  nature  of  tender 
and  querulous  lamentations.  It  resembles  twe- 
(lh-liue-&h-twe-aJi-twe-ah-twU,  twe-ah  -  twe-clk  -  twc- 
ah-twe-ah-too-too.  Its  ordinary  call-note  sounds  like 
tc-keeeee.  After  the  arrival  of  his  mate,  the  char- 
acter of  the  song  changes  and  becomes  richer  and 


376  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

more  pleasing,  as  well  as  lower.  During  the  love- 
period  these  resonant  and  peculiarly  mellow  notes 
are  heard  in  every  orchard  and  lawn,  from  along 
the  highways,  and  in  the  public  squares  and 
gardens.  Nuttall  describes  the  notes  of  his  song 
as  equivalent  to  tshippe-tshayia-too-too-tshippe-too- 
too,  with  several  other  not  dissimilar  modifications 
and  variations.  These  syllables  give  a  very  poor 
idea  of  his  song,  which  needs  to  be  heard  to  be 
appreciated.  Each  individual  has  variations  which 
are  peculiar  to  himself.  The  female  has  her  own 
peculiar  and  beautiful  notes  which  she  continually 
gives  expression  to  while  constructing  her  elabo- 
rately-woven and  pensile  nest.  The  song  of  the 
male  ceases  early  in  July,  as  family  duties  engross 
his  time  and  attention. 

At  first  the  males  are  exceedingly  agile  and 
restless,  moving  rapidly  among  the  budding  and 
blossoming  trees,  in  quest  of  insects  which  consti- 
tute their  principal  diet.  This  Oriole  deserves 
our  favor  and  esteem  for  the  numerous  insects  of 
an  injurious  character  which  it  destroys,  which 
thus  compensate  for  the  trifling  injuries  which 
it  commits  in  the  destruction  of  the  succulent 
pea,  and  the  few  blossoms  of  the  cherry  and 
apple  which  it  rifles  of  their  stamens  and  ovaries. 

This  species  is  strictly  insectivorous,  and  at  first 
subsists  upon  coleopterous  and  hymenopterous 
insects  which  it  gladly  exchanges  for  caterpillars 
as  the  season  progresses.  Early  in  May  we  have 
detected  the  remains  of  the  following  insects  in 


OF  EASTERN   PENNSYLVANIA.  377 

the  many  stomachs  which  we  have  examined: — 
Thaneroclerus  sanguineus,  Cratonychus  cinereus, 
Harpalus  compar,  Cetonia  inda,  Chrysomela  c&ru- 
leipennis,  Cymindis  viridipennis,  Selandria  roses,  &. 
vitis,  Apis  mellifi'ca,  Formica  sanguined,  and  Aphis 
mali,  A.  roses,  A.  cerasi,  and  A.  avencz,  among 
hemiptera.  Later,  and  especially  during  the 
breeding-season,  vast  numbers  of  caterpillars  of 
Anisopteryx  vernata,  A.  pometaria,  Eufitchia  ri- 
bearia,  Cheer  odes  transversata,  Ennomos  subsignaria, 
Hybernia  tiliaria,  Zerene  catenaria,  Lithacodes  tes- 
sellaris,  Limacodes  scapha,  Clisiocampa  Americana, 
Orgya  leucostigma,  Anisota  rubiciinda,  Lozo- 
t&nia  rosaceana,  Eudryas  grata,  and  mature  forms 
of  Spilosoma  Virginica,  Penthina  pomonella,  Procrs 
Americana,  Lithosia  miniata,  and  many  of  the 
Lyccenidce  and  Torlricid<z. 

The  flight  of  the  Baltimore  Oriole  is  somewhat 
loftier  than  that  of  the  last  described  species,  but 
in  other  respects  is  analogous.  It  is  strictly  arbo- 
ricole,  and  in  only  one  instance  have  we  ever 
discovered  that  it  has  any  predilection  for  a  ter- 
restrial life,  and  then  it  was  observed  gleaning  on 
a  piece  of  ploughed 'ground. 

The  birds  begin  to  mate  from  die  i5th  to  the 
1 8th  of  May ;  and  about  the  lasj:  of  the  same  month, 
or  the  beginning  of  June,  look  about  for  a  suitable 
place  in  which  to  hang  a  nest.  The  nest-materials 
are  mainly  collected  by  the  male,  while  upon  the 
female  devolves  the  duty  of  weaving  the  ingre- 
dients together,  which  is  the  labor  of  a  week  of 


37$  *  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   BIRDS 

almost  steady  application.  Its  nidification  is  so 
familiar  to  all,  that  it  may  seem  presumptuous  upon 
our  part  to  say  anything  upon  the  subject.  Nuttall 
has  so  beautifully  and  faithfully  delineated  the 
characteristic  nest,  that  to  attempt  any  improve- 
ment thereon,  would  seem  an  utter  waste  of  time ; 
but  there  is  a  novelty  hitherto  unnoticed  in  a 
couple  of  nests  which  we  possess,  that  renders  a 
description  not  at  all  amiss. 

In  the  scores  of  nests  which  we  have  examined, 
with  the  above  exceptions  not  included,  all  were 
begun  as  Nuttall  affirms  "by  firmly  fastening 
natural  strings  of  the  flax,  of  the  silkweed,  or 
swamp  hollyhock,  or  stout,  artificial  threads,  around 
two  or  more  forked  twigs,  corresponding  to  the 
width  and  depth  of  the  nest.  With  the  same 
materials,  willow  down  or  any  accidental  ravellings, 
strings,  thread,  sewing  silk,  cotton,  or  wool,  that 
may  be  lying  near  the  neighboring  houses,  or 
around  the  grafts  of  trees  they  interweave  and 
fabricate  a  coarse  cloth  into  the  form  intended, 
toward  the  bottom  of  which  the  real  nest,  made 
chiefly  of  lint,  wiry  grass,  horse  and  cow  hair,  &c." 

To  one  of  the  nests  alluded  to,  the  above  des- 
cription satisfactorily  applies,  but  it  does  appear 
that  the  birds  from  some  unaccountable  cause,  had 
manifested  but  little  judgment,  so  to  speak,  in  the 
selection  of  a  suitable  site,  for  we  find  them  in 
order  to  make  the  best  of  a  bad  bargain,  erecting 
a  permanent  roof  to  their  domicile  out  of  strings, 
in  place  pf  the  agreeable  canopy  which  leaves 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  379 

would  afford  in  more  congenial  situations.  In  the 
other,  economy  seems  to  have  been  of  paramount 
importance,  for  the  nest  is  a  faithful  counterpart  of 
the  real  one  of  Nu  Wall's  description  minus  the  efi- 
closing  pouch. 

No.  i  is  somewhat  cylindrical  in  shape  with  the 
long-  axis  or  distance  from  top  to  bottom,  slightly 
in  excess  of  the  short  or  distance  from  side  to 
side,  the  former  being  about  five,  and  the  latter 
nearly  four  and  a  half  inches.  It  is  composed  of 
strings  compactly  woven  together,  with  a  slight 
intermixture  of  hairs  of  the  horse  and  cow ;  the 
whole  forming  a  comfortable  and  cozy  structure, 
and  well  calculated  to  protect  its  inmates  from  the 
inclemency  of  the  weather.  So  nicely  is  the  roof 
adjusted  to  the  nest,  that  even  the  most  critical 
examination  fails  to  discern  the  union.  The  en- 
trance is  a  circular  opening  situated  in  the 
superior  third  of  the  nest,  facing  southwardly. 

No.  2  is  an  inverted  cone,  with  a  blunt  apex. 
The  greatest  diameter  at  top  is  four  inches,  and 
the  less  three  and  a  half;  depth  four  and  a  half 
inches.  It  was  built  between  two  forks  of  a  pear- 
tree.  It  is  composed  almost  entirely  of  the  hairs 
of  the  horse  and  cow,  firmly,  but  densely  woven 
together.  So  slight  is  the  texture  that  it  can  be 
readily  seen  through.  This  specimen  presents 
the  appearance  of  an  ordinary  nest  without  its 
customary  covering.  In  Northumberland  Co.,  Pa., 
where  this  nest  was  found  in  the  summer  of  1866, 
we  were  told  that  it  is  the  characteristic  style.  It 


380  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

is  more  than  likely  that  in  districts  far  removed 
from  the  busy  haunts  of  man,  owing  to  the  lack 
o^the  usual  materials,  the  birds  are  constrained 
to  use  the  hairs  of  the  domestic  as  well  as  those 
of  wild  animals  in  the  structure  of  their  domiciles. 
In  times  very  remote,  before  the.  introduction  of 
civilized  man  into  the  country,  there  is  no  doubt 
that  the  above  was  the  only  style  of  architecture 
known  to  the  species.  It  is  evident  that  in 
days  of  primitive  gloom,  and  even  at  the  present 
time  in  thickly-wooded  sections,  a  very  dense  nest 
is  not  at  all  desirable,  since  the  birds  obtain  the 
required  protection  from  the  wreather  in  the  beauti- 
ful covering  which  nature  throws  over  them.  Now, 
in  sections  where  the  forests  have  disappeared  by 
the  strokes  of  the  pioneer's  axe,  such  shelter 
would  not  afford  the  comfort  and  security  which 
the  inmates  demand.  Birds  not  being  slow  to 
discern  what  best  comports  with  their  security, 
certainly  this  oriole  which  displays  so  much  good 
taste  and  ingenuity,  would  readily  perceive  that  a 
more  compact  and  denser  structure  would  be  more 
desirable.  History  shows  that  the  highest  and 
most  elaborate  styles  of  architecture  which  man  is 
now  capable  of  achieving,  are  but  the  outgrowths 
of  the  simpler  and  less  complicated  forms  that  pre- 
ceded them.  Reasoning  therefore  from  analogy,  the 
highest  style  which  the  Baltimore  Oriole  has  been 
able  to  accomplish,  the  typical  nest,  is  but  an  out- 
growth of  the  one  which  we  have  last  described. 
From  the  plausible  remarks  advanced,  the  in- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  381 

closing  pouch  seems  but  an  improvement  super- 
added  to  the  main  structure,  its  being  a  sub- 
sequent operation.  This  must  be  apparent  to  all. 

In  the  first  of  these  anomalous  forms  of  nests  still 
further  improvement  is  manifested  in  the  closely- 
woven  roof.  In  open  nests,  protection  is  partially 
secured  by  the  cluster  of  leaves  that  depend  from 
above;  the  site  being,  doubtless,  selected  with  a 
view  to  this  natural  arrangement.  As  reason 
tends  to  improvement,  and  birds  are  possesed  of 
a  share  of  this  gift,  so  it  is  natural  to  suppose  that 
they  must  vary  their  style  of  nest-building  in 
favorable  directions,  when  both  individual  and 
family  good  will  be  best  subserved  thereby. 

The  nest  being  completed,  the  female  on  .the 
succeeding  day  begins  to  deposit  her  complement 
of  eggs,  which  at  the  ordinary  rate  of  one  per  day, 
is  deposited  in  four  or  five  days.  Incubation  fol- 
lows oviposition  on  the  following  day,  and  con- 
tinues for  15  days;  the  labor  being  exclusively 
performed  by  the  female,  while  the  male  bird  is 
close  by  ready  to  defend  her  and  nest,  or  to  pro- 
vide her  with  the  necessary  nourishment.  Both 
parents  are  devoted  and  faithfulrand  courageously 
defend  their  young  when  in  peril,  and  fearlessly 
exposing  and  endangering  their  own  lives  rather 
then  trust  them  to  the  hands  of  a  merciless  foe. 
If  the  young  are  captured  and  incarcerated,  the 
parents  if  permitted,  will  follow  and  continue  to 
feed  them.  Mr.  Ridgway  mentions  a  case  where 
the  female  entered  the  nest  while  he  was  sever- 


382  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

ing  the  branch  to  which  it  was  supported,  and 
continued  to  occupy  it  after  it  had  been  detached 
and  carried  into  the  house. 

Dr.  Brewer  mentions  a  bird  which  was  raised 
from  the  nest  in  Worcester,  Mass.,  that  became 
so  thoroughly  domesticated  that  even  when  allowed 
the  greatest  freedom  as  when  carried  by  the 
married  daughter  of  its  mistress,  perched  upon 
her  finger  through  the  open  grounds  to  her  own 
domicile,  made  no  efforts  to  regain  its  liberty.  It 
delighted  in  occasional  acts  of  mischief  as  putting 
its  bill  through  the  lace  curtains,  and  seemingly 
enjoying  the  noise  produced  by  the  rending  of  the 
threads  on  opening  the  beak. 

The  young  are  fed  chiefly  with  caterpillars,  which 
are  disgorged  by  their  parents  into  their 
throats,  after  having  been  apparently  swallowed. 
They  are  able  to  quit  the  nest  in  fourteen  days 
after  being  hatched,  but  are  subject  to  parental 
restraints  for  about  ten  days  longer,  when  they 
are  able  to  shift  for  themselves.  Before  they  are 
fitted  for  flying,  they  climb  to  the  edge  of  the  nest, 
from  which  they  are  frequently  precipitated  in 
sudden  tempests;  but  by  means  of  bill,  wings,  and 
claws,  if  unhurt,  are  able  to  gain  places  of  security. 
Dr.  Brewer  speaks  of  a  fledgling  that  had  both 
legs  broken  which  was  placed  in  a  basket  to  be 
nourished  by  its  parents,  that  was  able  to  gain  the 
margin  of  the  basket  by  means  of  its  wings  and 
bill,  from  which  it  took  its  departure  in  a  few  days. 

In  confinement  the  young  are  exceedingly  play- 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  383 

ful  and  docile,  quite  musical,  and  at  a  given  signal 
will  come  and  perch  upon  the  finger  of  their 
Piaster. 

The  eggs  are  oblong-oval,  pointed  at  one  end, 
white  with  a  slight  roseate  tinge  in  fresh  speci- 
mens, and  variously  marked  with  blotches  and 
irregular  lines  of  waving  lines  of  purplish-brown. 
They  measure  .90  of  an  inch  in  length,  and  .60  in 
breadth.  The  species  is  single-brooded  in  this 
latitude. 

Subfamily  Quiscalinae.     Crow  Blackbirds. 

Both  in  structure  and  in  habits  these  birds  are 
intimately  related  to  the  AgcUciruc^  but  are  dis- 
criminated by  the  long  and  slender  bill,  curved 
culmen  particularly  towards  the  extremity,  and 
strongly  inflected  tomia.  The  typical  birds  have 
a  crow- like  appearance,  but  are  readily  dis- 
tinguished. The  have  large  and  strong  feet,  and 
are  eminently  terrestrial,  walking  or  running  in- 
stead of  leaping.  They  build  rude  and  bulky 
nests,  and  possess  a  voice  which  can  scarcely  be 
deemed  musical.  There  are  three  genera  of  this 
subfamily,  two  of  which  are  represented  in  this 
country;  the  other  (Cassidix)  being  a  native  of 
the  Old  World. 

Scolecopkag  us  fen'iigineus,  S wainson . 

The  Rusty  Blackbird  has  been  met  with  in 
Eastern  Pennsylvania  in  small  flocks  of  a  dozen 
and  even  less  as  early  as  the  ist  of  March  in  its 


384  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

northern  migration.  It  is  chiefly  a  denizen  of 
swamps  and  marshy  situations  generally,  resem- 
bling in  this  particular  the  Red  Wings.  We  havt£ 
often  detected  its  presence  about  our  outhouses, 
from  which  we  infer  that  it  courts  rather  than 
avoids  the  society  of  man.  Its  vernal  stay  is 
seldom  protracted  later  than  about  the  i5th  of 
March,  unless  the  season  has  been  exceedingly 
tardy  and  its  advent  necessarily  retarded.  We 
have  also  found  this  species  in  ploughed  fields, 
subsisting  upon  the  insects  which  have  been 
turned  up  by  the  plow.  In  the  autumn  they  reach 
Pennsylvania  during  the  last  of  September  or  the 
beginning  of  October,  and  remain  often  as  late  as 
the  1 5th  of  November,  revisiting  similar  situations 
as  in  the  spring.  They  seem  Jo  enjoy  the  company 
of  the  cattle  in  the  pasture-grounds,  and  even 
visiting  them  in  the  farm-yard. 

This  species  is  apparently  devoid  of  a  song  both 
during  its  vernal  and  its  autumnal  stay.  During  the 
pairing  period  the  birds  are  said  to  sing,  becoming 
nearly  silent  while  with  young,  but  resume  the 
song  in  the  autumn.  Their  notes  are  described 
by  Mr.  Nuttall  as  quite  pleasing,  and  more  musi- 
cal than  those  of  the  other  species. 

Its  flight  recalls  that  of  the  Purple  Grakle,  but 
is  less  elevated,  except  during  migration,  and 
more  sustained. 

In  the  spring  its  food  consists  of  insects  and 
berries.  We  have  detected  in  the  stomachs  of 
several  individuals  which  we  have  examined, 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  385 

the  following  insects : — Harpalus  compar,  PL  pen- 
"  sylvanicus,  Casnonia  pennsylvanica,  Cr atony  chus 
cinercus,  C.  pertinax,  Pangus  caliginosus,  Scarites 
subterraneus,  Haltica  chalybea,  Lac kno sterna  quer- 
cina,  L.  hirticula,  among  coleoptera;  and  CEdipoda 
sulphurea,  CE.  nebulosa,  Caloptenus  femur -mibrum, 
CEdipoda  cor allina,  CE.  Carolina,  among  orthoptera; 
besides  Formica  sanguinea,  F.  subterraneay  and 
Lumbricusterrestris.  In  the  autumn  it  feeds  upon  the 
berries  ®{Juniperus  Virginiana,  J.  communis,  Lo- 
nicera  periclymenum,  and  Liquidambar  styraciflua. 
It  visits ~our  cornfields  and  rifles  the  corn  from  the 
shocks.  In  their  visits  to  moist  grounds  they  feed 
upon  small  snails  and  aquatic  insects  which  they 
secure  among  the  sedges  and  reeds  which  they 
.  climb  with  remarkable  agility. 

The  nests  of  the  Rusty  Blackbird  are  said  to  be 
constructed  like  those  of  Agelaus  phoeniceus,  but 
being  smaller.  In  Labrador  they  are  lined  with 
various  mosses  instead  of  grasses,  according  to 
Mr.  Audubon.  The  same  authority  says  their 
nests  are  sometimes  found  in  marshes  of  the 
Typha,  to  the  reeds  of  which  they  are  strongly 
attached  by  interweaving  their  leaves  with  fine 
strips  of  bark  and  grass.  Near  Fort  Anderson 
these  birds  are  not  uncommon  visitors.  Mr. 
MacFarlane  discovered  a  nest  built  upon  a  spruce 
bush  next  to  the  trunk,  June  12,  at  an  elevation 
of  eight  feet  from  the  ground.  Other  nests  were 
found  which  were  built  in  the  midst  of  a  bush  of 
the  pine.  At  Nilato  these  birds  arrive,  says  Mr. 

Y 


386  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF    BIRDS 

Ball,  about  the  2Oth  of  May;  but  do  not  begin  to 
lay  before  the  last  of  May.  Mr.  Lockhart  pro- 
cured eggs  at  Fort  Yukon,  and  Mr.  Bischoff  at 
Sitka.  Besides  the  above  localities,  it  has  been 
known  to  breed  as  high  up  as  the  69°  of  north 
latitude.  Coming  nearer  home  it  has  been  dis- 
covered breeding  at  Calais,  by  Mr.  Boardman, 
and  at  Halifax  by  Mr.  W.  G.  Wintin,  Esq. 

Oviposition  commences  in  Maine  about  the 
first  of  June,  and  in  Labrador  about  the  2Oth,  one 
brood  bein^r  reared  in  a  season.  When  the  nest 

o 

is  approached,  says  Mr.  MacFarlane,  the  parents 
seek  to  divert  attention  from  it  to  themselves. 
They  manifest  considerable  uneasiness  and  by 
flying  from  tree  to  tree,  seek  to  draw  the  intruder 
from  the  exact  location  of  the  nest. 

This  species  is  readily  tamed,  becoming  quite 
familiar  in  a  few  clays,  and  is  easily  reconciled  to 
confinement.  A  friend  of  Audubon's  found  a  bird 
of  this  species  which  was  slightly  wounded,  near 
the  City  of  New  Orleans,  which  he  placed  in  a 
cage  with  several  individuals  of  Cyanospiza  ciris 
which  soon  became  on  the  most  intimate  terms  of 
friendship  with  his  new  companions.  It  sung,  but 
with"  less  sonorous  notes,  than  when  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  its  freedom. 

The  eggs  vary  somewhat  in  different  localities. 
Those  obtained  from  Fort  Yukon  near  the  mouth 
of  the  Porcupine  River  are,  according  to  Dr. 
Brewer,  rounded-oval,  and  densely  covered  with 
an  interminglingof  ferruginous  and  purplish-brown 


OF  EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  387 

blotches,  and  fine  clottings  upon  a  light-green 
ground-color;  and  are  scarcely  distinguishable 
from  some  species  of  Scolecophagus  cyanocephalus. 
They  measure  1.03  by  .75  of  an  inch.  Specimens 
from  near  Calais,  Maine,  says  the  same  writer, 
are  sparingly  marked  with  varying  shades  of 
purplish-brown  upon  a  light  green  back-ground, 
but  with  no  evidence  of  lines  or  marbling.  They 
measure  1.02  of  an  inch  in  length  and  .75  in 
breadth. 

Quiscalus  purpureus,  Bartr. 

The  Common  Crow  Elackbird  is  a  very  abun- 
dant species  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania  where  it 
ordinarily  appears  during  the  i5th  of  March, 
sometimes  while  the  snow  is  upon  the  ground. 
They  arrive  in  large  loose  flocks,  and  frequent 
meadows  and  ploughed  fields  where  they  destroy 
innumerable  numbers  of  worms  and  beetles,  &c., 
upon  which  they  subsist.  Few  species  are  more 
contemned  and  hated  by  the  farmer  than  the  sub- 
ject of  the  present  sketch,  notwithstanding  the  vast 
amount  of  good  which  it  confers  upon  him.  In 
the  spring  it  visits  his  cornfields,  digs  up  the  grain 
before  it  has  had  a  chance  to  germinate,  and, even 
lays  hold  of  the  tender  blades  as  soon  as  they 
have  appeared  above  the  ground,  devour  the  grain 
and  scatter  the  blades  promiscuously  about.  So 
passionately  fond  of  such  diet  are  these  birds,  that 
they  defy  the  efforts  of  the  husbandman  to  check 
their  devastations.  Ingenious  devices  in  the  shape 


388  LIFE-HISTORIES    OF   BIRDS 

of  scare-crows,  and  even  the  shot-gun  have  no 
fears  for  them.  Driven  from  one  part  of  a  field, 
they  instantly  seek  another,  and  ply  themselves 
with  considerable  zeal.  When  the  corn  is  in  ear, 
the  destruction  still  goes  on,  the  birds  stripping 
the  husk  and  extracting  the  grains  from  the  cob. 
Though  first  exceedingly  shy,  yet  love  of  appetite 
soon  triumphs  over  every  other  feeling,  and  a 
spirit  of  boldness  and  utter  recklessness  succeed. 

During  the  early  part  of  its  stay,  this  Blackbird 
is  mainly  terrestrial  in  its  habits  of  feeding;  but 
during  the  breeding-period  it  becomes  slightly 
arboricole.  Its  flight  is  moderately  elevated,  firm, 
undulating,  and  remarkably  protracted. 

This  species  cannot  be  said  to  possess  a  song, 
strictly  speaking.  Its  ordinary  call-note  is  a  simple 
tchuck.  Vexation  and  anger  are  represented  by 
tchlc-ke-ydh,  while  impatience  by  te-oo  pronounced 
as  a  sharp  whistle. 

Its  food  is  mainly  insects,  berries,  and  seeds, 
during  the  early  part  of  the  season;  with  cater- 
pillers  of  divers  kinds  which  it  destroys  in  pro- 
digious numbers,  when  with  young.  We  have 
detected  in  our  stomach-examinations,  remains  of 
Pangus  caliginosits,  Harpahis  coinpar,  H.  pensyl- 
vanicusy  Diccelus  dilatatus,  Scarites  subterraneus, 
Passalus  cornutus,  Tenebrio  mvlitor,  Carabus  ligatus, 
Cetonia  fulgida,  Dicerca  dwaricata,  Platynus  cupri- 
pennis,  CorymbitesCEthiops,  and  grubs  of  Cratony- 
cJms  cinercus,  Lachnosterna  quercina,  L.  hirticula, 
Pelidnota  punctata,  and  Cotalpa  lanigera;  besides 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  389 

Formica  sanguinea>  F.  siibterranea,  Lumbricus  ter- 
restris,  and  specimens  of  Julus.  Later,  the  cater- 
pillars of  Hybernia  tiliaria,  Anisopteryx  vernata, 
A.  pometaria,  Ennomos  subsignaria,  Zerenc  catc- 
naria,  Anisota  rubicunda,  Clisiocampa  Ameri- 
cana, Colias  philodice,  Eitfitchia  ribearia,  Utetheisa 
bella,  Gortyna  zece,  and  mature  forms  of  many  of 
the  above,  with  Spilosoma  Virginica,  Pentkina 
pomonella,  Lithosia  miniata,  and  others.  Besides 
the  above,  small  spiders,  aphides,  and  a  few  diptera 
are  also  eaten.  Being  slightly  frugivorous  it  sub- 
sists upon  the  berries  of  Primus  cerasiis,  P.  sero- 
tina,  Amelanchier  canadensis,  Fragaria  Virginiana, 
Riibus  villosiis,  R.  strigosus,  Vaccinium  staminewn, 
and  in  the  autumn,  upon  those  of  Juniperiis  Vir- 
giniana,  J.  communis,  Lonicera  periclymenum,  and 
Liquidambar  styraciflua. 

This  species  has  one  very  bad  trait,  perhaps,  not 
generally  known.  Like  the  common  crow,  it  is 
fond  of  birds'  eggs  and  tender  nestlings  of  which 
it  destroys  a  great  many,  particularly  those  of 
T^trd^is  migratoriiis .  Coward-like  it  lurks  in  the 
vicinity  of  a  robin's  nest  while  its  inmates  are 
absent,  seizes  an  egg  or  a  young  bird,  and  beats 
a  precipitate  retreat.  But  wAry  and  vigilant  as  it 
is,  sometimes  it  is  caught  in  the  act,  and  forced  to 
seek  safety  from  the  impetuous  attacks  of  the 
owners,  by  flight.  We  had  been  aware  of  its 
fondness  for  eggs  for  several  years  past,  but  only 
lately  learned  of  this  carnivorous  propensity,  which 
is,  doubtless,  the  natural  outgrowth  of  the  habit  of 
egg-sucking. 


39O  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF    BIRDS 

Nest   building  has  been  observed  as  early  as 

March  15,  but  then  only  in  sheltered  localities  on 

the  south  slopes  of  hills.    Here  the  nests  are  built 

most  generally  in  the  branches  of  coniferous  trees. 

Usually  but  a  single  brood  is  reared  in  a  season ; 

but  we  have  met  with  a  second  brood  when  the 

weather  has  been  unusually  propitious.     In  such 

cases  the  first  batch  of  young  appeared  about  the 

middle  of  April,  and   the    other   early  in   July. 

Nidification  ordinarily  commences  from  the  2Oth 

to  the  28th  of  April.     A  nest  is  the  product  oi  the 

joint  labor  of  the  sexes  for  a  period  of  six  days, 

working  with  considerable    diligence.     The  day 

following  the  completion  of  the  nest,  the  female 

begins  to  deposit  her  eggs  to  the  number  of  six, 

at  the  rate  of  a  single  ovum  per  day.     Incubation 

follows  on  the  day  succeeding  the  last  deposit,  and 

is  the  sole  business  of  the  female  for  about  sixteen 

clays.    The  male-bird  keeps  very  close  watch  over 

his   partner  in  the  nest,  when   not  employed  in 

providing  nourishment  for  her  and  himself.    When 

the  nest  is  assailed,  both  parents   seek  to  drive 

away  the  intruder  by  loud  clamors  and  threatening 

gestures;  flying  close  to  his  head  with  open  jaws 

and  fury-darting  eyes.     Where  the  offender  has 

been    one    in    feathered   dress,  we    have    known 

several  pairs  to  come  to  the  assistance  of  their 

besieged  friends,  when  the  most  deafening  cries 

and  wildest  excitement  would  prevail.    Such  is  the 

bravery  with  which   some    parents   defend   their 

nests  and  young,  that  in  encounters  with  human 


OF    EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  39! 

foes,  the  birds  have  often  come  off  victorious.  Last 
spring  we  employed  a  lad  of  fourteen  summers  to 
secure  a  nest  which  was  built  in  the  top 
of  a  tall  pine-tree,  at  a  height  of  sixty  feet  from 
the  ground.  After  he  had  reached  half  the  jour- 
ney, he  was  beset  by  the  parent-birds  which  dis- 
played such  determination  and  prowess,  that  he 
was  glad  to  gain  once  more  terra  firma.  . 

The  Crow  Blackbird  is  said  to  nest  in  low 
bushes  sometimes,  but  we  have  invariably  found 
its  nests  in  tall  trees,  at  heights  varying  from  fifty 
to  sixty  feet.  A  writer  in  the  American  Naturalist, 
Vol.  II,,  residing  in  Newark,  N.  J.,  speaks  of  a  nest 
which  was  built  inside  the  spire  of  a  church,  and 
another  in  a  martin- house  from  which  the  lawful 
owners  were  forcibly  expelled.  Wilson  informs 
us  that  it  is  a  common  occurrence  for  the  Grakles 
to  nidificate  in  the  interstices  of  the  nests  of  the 
Fish  Hawk,  when  the  latter  builds  in  their  imme- 
diate neighborhood.  It  is  said  that  several  pairs 
occasionally  occupy  at  the  same  time  the  nest  of 
the  same  Hawk,  with  which  they  live  on  the  most 
amicable  terms.  Mr.  Audubon  found  these  birds 
breeding  generally  in  hollow  trees,  which  has  been 
the  experience  also,  to  a  certain  extent,  of  William 
Brewster,  Esq.,  in  Northern  Maine,  but  it  is  highly 
probable  as  Dr.  Brewer  says,  that  they  refer  to 
the  variety  dELneus. 

The  nest  is  usually  placed  in  a  crotch  close  to 
the  main  axis  of  the  tree  on  which  it  is  built,  some- 
times on  a  branch  at  a  distance  therefrom,  and 


392  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

held  in  sihi  by  others  in  close  proximity.  It  is 
bulky  and  irregular  in  shape,  and  has  no  claims 
to  architectural  beauty.  It  is  coarsely  but  firmly 
built  of  twigs,  dry  plants,  interwoven  with  strong 
stems  of  grasses,  which  have  been  picked  up 
from  pools  of  mud  with  considerable  of  the  latter 
adherent  thereto,  which  renders  them  exceedingly 
weighty  and  serves  to  agglutinate  the  elements 
more  compactly  together.  Internally,  there  are 
a  few  fine  leaves  of  grasses  which  add  to  the 
comfort  of  the  fabric.  They  measure  seven  inches 
in  diameter  and  about  six  in  thickness,  with  the 
diameter  at  the  rim  about  four  inches,  and  the 
cavity  about  two  inches,  which  is  very  shallow 
considering  the  size  of  the  birds. 

The  young  are  objects  of  more  than  ordinary 
solicitude  by  the  parents,  which  vie  with  each  other 
in  parental  devotion.  They  are  fed  alternately; 
both  parents  occasionally  being  absent  from  the 
nest  in  the  procurement  of  food  which  consists  of 
grubs,  caterpillars,  earthworms,  and  berries,  many 
of  which  have  been  enumerated  above.  When 
both  parents  are  absent,  it  is  only  when  a  number 
of  pairs  have  built  in  close  proximity  to  each  other, 
constituting  an  orderly  and  harmonious  community 
which  we  have  noticed  to  be  the  case  only  in 
certain  localities.  The  young  are  then,  to  a 
certain  extent,  under  the  surveillance  of  others, 
which  are  not  slow  to  repel  any  assault  upon  their 
neighbor's  household.  Upon  a  lawn  adjoining 
the  mansion  of  Mrs.  George  Carpenter,  in  Ger- 


OF   EASTERN    PENNSYLVANIA.  393 

mantown,  which  contains  several,  probably  a  dozen 
fine  trees  of  Pinus  strobus,  during  the  past  four 
years,  we  have  known  as  many  as  a  dozen  pairs 
to  breed,  all  within  a  short  distance  of  each  other. 
The  most  perfect  good  feeling  exists  among  the 
members  of  the  different  families.  These  birds 
seemingly  conscious  of  protection  upon  the  part 
of  the  owner  of  the  premises  upon  which  they 
build,  revisit  the  scene  year  after  year,  and  their 
presence  is  announced  by  the  almost  deafening 
chattering  which  issues  from  the  trees  during  the 
mating  period. 

In  about  sixteen  days  the  young  are  able  to  quit 
the  nest,  but  still  require  the  attention  and  care  of 
the  parents  for  at  least  ten  days  longer,  before 
being  fitted  to  look  after  their  own  well-being. 
Both  old  and  young  continue  together,  however, 
until  they  take  their  departure  during  the  last  of 
September,  or  the  beginning  of  October,  to  their 
southern  homes.  Immense  numbers  winter  in  the 
lower  counties  of  Virginia,  in  -the  Carolinas,  and 
Georgia  where  they  constitute  one  congregated 
multitude  of  many  hundred  thousands.  Wilson 
speaks  of  meeting  on  the  banks  of  the  Roanoke 
River,  January  2Oth,  an  immense  army  of  these 
birds  which  rose  from  the  surrounding  fields  with 
a  thunder-like  noise  and  settled  down  upon  the 
road  and  completely  covered  it  and  the  fences 
with  black.  When  they  again  rose  and  descended 
upon  the  skirts  of  high  timbered  thickets,  whole 
trees  from  the  summit  to  the  lowest  branches 


394  LIFE-HISTORIES   OF   BIRDS 

seemed  draped  as  with  mourning,  while  their  notes 
and  screamings  seemed  like  the  far  off  sounds  of 
a  huge  cataract,  but  possessed  of  a  more  musical 
cadence. 

The  eggs  of  the  Grakle  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania 
have  a  light  greenish-white  ground-color.  We 
have  never  met  the  deep  rusty-brown  variety 
which  Dr.  Brewer  speaks  of,  in  the  oft  cited  work 
on  "North  American  Birds."  They  are  variously 
and  irregularly  marked  with  black  and  dark-brown 
dashes  and  streaks  which  are  singularly  grotesque 
in  their  patterns.  The  eggs  measure  1.24  of  an 
inch  in  length  and  .90  in  breadth. 


IMPORTANT  CORRECTIONS. 


For  subterraneas  read  subterraneus,  pages  11  and  21. 

Scatophago  read  Scatophaga,  pages  11, 18,  and  48. 

Diccelus  read  Dicalus,  page  21;  for  bear  read  bears,  line  11,  page  25. 
Insert  those  of  after  than,  line  4,  page  26. 
For  memory  read  mimicry,  line  10,  page  30. 

pomonella  read  Promethea,  page  38;  for  lights  read  /0/>s,  line  8,  page  56. 

sends  read  send,  line  20,  page  60 ;  for  are  read  is,  line  17,  page  65. 

Rhynchcenus  pini  read  Rhynchcenus  strobi,  pages  139, 172, 173  and  312. 

Rhynchceus  pini  read  Rhynchcenus  strobif  pages  21,  53,  56,  63,  67,  72,  and  93. 

perttnax  read  pertinax,  line  25,  page  114. 

lineloa  read  lineola,  line  4,  page  121 ;  for  habits  read  haunts,  line  18,  page  133. 

externally  read  internally,  line  1,  page  141. 

permanent  read  prominent,  line  1,  page  143. 

dipteria  read  dipteron,  line  9,  page  144. 

it  finds  read  * ftey  find,  line  23,  page  147. 

prayed  read  preyed,  line  18,  page  148. 

Tulis  and  Julis,  wherever  they  occur,  read  Julus. 

frequent  read  frequents,  line  11,  page  172. 

attend  read  attends,  line  26,  page  133. 

ferruguinea  read  ferruginea,  page  196;  for  Colius  read  Co/mspage  197. 

Virgiana  read  Virginiana,  page  223;  Fcer  read  .deer,  page  224. 

pertnax  rend  pertinax,  page  245 ;  for  tristris  read  tristis,  pages  259  and  26,1. 

Virginiana  read  Virginianum,  page  266. 

Angeronia,  pages  210  and  219,  and  Angerina,  page  287,  read  Angerona. 

Leconter  read  Lecontei,  page  287. 

Fragaria  Virginica  read  Fragaria  Virginiana,  pages  161,  163,  275,  and  305. 

prcetense,  wherever  it  occurs,  read  pratense. 

Betulu  read  Betula,  page  163 ;  for  ground  read  grounds,  line  20,  page  282. 

beetles  read  insects,  line  6,  page  283  ;  for  i7  read  Ac,  line  15,  page  337. 
Kend  dT»fftn«yfr*ft«ff-dfrfci-fl,  lino  3  from  bultuiu,  pagli  0*0, 
For  Hyporhynchus  read  Harporhynchus,  page  358. 

Procrs  read  Pocris,  page  377 ;  for  Caloptena  read  Calo%)tenus,  page  11. 

fcrossictE  read  oleracea,  pages  16, 174,  and  300. 

oleracece  read  oleracea,  wherever  it  occurs. 

Cratonychus  read  Harpalus,  page  63. 

sanguinalis  read  sanguineus,  page  96. 

capripennis  read  cupripennis,  page  144. 

subteraneus  read  subterraneus,  page  150. 

formosa  read  formosus,  page  158 ;  for  tn'fi  read  T;//JS,  page  172. 

taneorhynchus  read  tceniorhynchus,  page  187. 
Cimacodes  fe'ad  Limacodes,  page  221. 

pometara  read  pometaria,  page  287. 


ALPHABETICAL  INDEX. 


SYSTEMATIC  INDEX  OF  SCIENTIFIC  NAMES. 


A 

F 

^Egiothus  linarius, 

253 

Fringillidse, 

240 

Agelaeinae, 

350 

G 

Agelaeus  phooniceus, 
Ampelidae, 
Ampelinae, 
Ampelis  cedrorum, 

359 

204 
205 
205 

Geothlypis  trichas, 
Philadelphia, 
,  Goniaphea  ludoviciana, 

152 

157 
331 

Anorthura  troglodytes, 

81 

H 

c 

I   Harporhynchus  rufus, 

36 

Cardinalis  virginianus, 
Carpodacus  purpureus, 
Certhia  Americana, 
Certhiidae, 

340 
244 
70 
69 

Helminthophaga  chrysoptera  98 
Helmitherus  vermivorus,          97 
Hirundinidae,                            183 
Hirundo  horreorum,                184 

Certhiinae, 

70 

T 

Chrysomitris  pinus, 
tristis 

257 

260 

1 

Icteria  virens, 

160 

Collurio  borealis, 

234 

Icteridae, 

350 

Coturniculus  passeriuus, 
Cotyle  riparia, 
Curvirostra  americana, 

276 
194 
250 

Icteriinas, 
Icterinae, 
Icterus  baltimore, 

160 
368 
375 

leucoptera, 
Cyanospiza  cyanea, 

247 
335 

spurius, 
Insessores, 

368 

1 

D 

J 

Dendrceca  aestiva 

99 

Juuco  hyemalis, 

291 

blackburniae 

112 

T 

cgerulea, 

108 

\^i 

cserulescens, 
castanea, 

105 
117 

Laniidae, 
Laniinae, 

233 
233 

coronata, 

109 

Lophophanes  bicolor. 

58 

discolor, 

129 

maculosa, 
palmarum, 
pennsylvanica, 
pinus, 

123 
132 
120 
135 

Melospiza  lincolnii, 
melodia, 
palustris, 

279. 
284 
281 

r  "***") 

striata, 

114 

Miminae, 

26 

tigrina, 
virens, 

127 
102 

Mimus  carolinensis, 
polyglottus, 

28 
26 

Dolichonyx  oryzivorus, 

351 

Mniotilta  varia, 
Molotln-us  pecoris, 

91 
354 

. 

Myiodioctes  mitratus, 

165 

Euspiza  americana, 

328 

pusillus, 

167 

townsendii, 

331                         canadensis, 

169 

INDEX. 


397 


o 

Oporornis  agilis, 

147 

formosus, 

149 

Osciues, 

2 

P 

Paridse, 

57 

Parinse, 

58 

Parula  americana, 

94 

Parus  atricapillus, 

61 

Passer  domesticus, 

314 

Passeres, 

1 

Passerculus  savanna, 

271 

Passerella  iliaca, 

324 

Petrochelidon  lunifrons, 

190 

Pinicola  enucleator, 

242 

Pipilo  erythrophthalmus, 

345 

Plectrophanes  nivalis, 

268 

Pooecetes  gramineus, 

274 

Progne  purpurea, 

199 

Pyranga  rubra, 

177 

Q 

Quiscalinae, 

383 

Quiscalus  purpureus, 

387 

R 

Regulinae, 

51 

Regulus  caleudulus,             f 

51 

satrapa, 

55 

s 

Saxicolidae, 

42 

Scolecophagus  ferrugineus, 
Seiurus  aurocapillus, 

383 
138 

ludovicianus, 

145 

noveboracensis, 

142 

Setophaga  ruticilla, 

172 

Setophaginae, 

164  J 

8ialia  sialis, 

42 

14-7 

Sitta  carolinensis, 

66 

-L~t  4 

1  ilQ 

SittidsB, 

65 

l^AVJ 

0 

Spizella  monticola, 

296 

ft 

pusilla, 

304 

socialis, 

299 

57 

Stelgidopteryx  serripennis, 

199 

58 

Sturuella  magna, 

364 

94 

Sylvicolidae, 

90 

61 

Sylvicolinse, 

91 

314 

Sylviidae, 

51 

1 

T 

271 

QOJ. 

Tachycineta  bicolor, 

188 

O&  rt 

1QO 

Tanagridse, 

177 

±J\J 

242 

Telmatodytes  palustris, 

84 

345 

268 

Thryothorus  ludovician  us, 
Troglodytes  sedon, 

74 
76 

274 

Troglodytidge, 

73 

100 

Turdidse, 

3 

j.  t/U 

Turdinse, 

3 

Turdus  fuscescens, 

23 

migratorius, 

4 

388 

mustelinus, 

13 

387 

Pallasii, 

19 

V 

51 

Vireo  flavifrons, 

221 

51 

gilvus, 

218 

55 

noveboracensis, 

229 

olivaceus, 

211 

AO 

philadelphicus, 

218 

4^ 
ooo 

solitarius, 

222 

o83 
138 

Vireonidse, 

211 

145 

z 

142 

Zonotrichia  albicollis, 

308 

172 

1fiA 

leucopbrys, 

311 

ALPHABETICAL  INDEX. 


SYSTEMATIC  INDEX  OF  COMMON  NAMES. 


A 

Cowbird, 

354 

American  Creeper, 
Goldfinch, 
Starlings, 

70 
260 
350 

Creepers, 
Crested  Titmouse, 
Crow-blackbird, 

69 

58 
387 

Warblers, 

90 

E 

B 

English  Sparrow, 

314 

Baltimore  Oriole, 

375 

F 

Barn  Swallow, 

184 

Field  Sparrow, 

304 

Bay-breasted  Warbler. 

117 

Finches, 

240 

Bay-winged  Bunting, 
Black  and  White  Creeper, 
Blackburnian  Warbler, 

274 
91 

112 

Flycatching  Warblers, 
Fox-colored  Sparrow, 

164 
324 

Black-capped  Titmouse, 

61 

Black-poll  Warbler, 

114 

Golden-crowned  'Kinglet, 

55 

Bl'k-throated  Blue  Warbler, 

105 

"  Thrush, 

138 

Bunting, 

328 

Golden-winged  Warbler, 

98 

Green  Warbl'r 

102 

Grass  Finch, 

274 

Blue  Yellow-back'd  Warbler,  94 

Gr'n  Bl'k-capped  Flycatcher 

167 

Bluebird, 

42 

Greenlets, 

211 

Blue-eyed  Yellow  Warbler, 

99 

Ground-Swamp  Robin, 

19 

Bobolink, 

351 

Brown  Thrasher, 

36 

Butcher  Bird, 

234 

Hermit  Thrush, 

19 

c 

Hooded  Warbler, 

165 

Cerulean  Warbler, 

108 

House  Wren, 

76 

Canadian  Flycatcher, 

169 

Cape  May  Warbler, 

127 

Indigo  Bird, 

335 

Cardinal  Redbird, 

340 

K 

Carolina  Nuthatch, 
Carolina  Wren, 
Catbird, 

66 

74 
28 

Kentucky  Warbler, 
Kinglets, 

149 
51 

Cedar  Bird, 

205 

L 

Chats, 

160 

Lesser  Jied  Poll, 

253 

Chatterers, 

204 

Lincoln's  Finch, 

279 

Chestnut-sided  Warbler, 

120 

Long-billed  Marsh  Wren, 

84 

Chewink, 

345 

Louisiana  Water  Thrush, 

145 

Chickadees, 

57 

M. 

Chipping  Sparrow, 

299 

Cliff  Swallow, 

190       Magnolia  Warbler, 

123 

Common  Crossbill, 

250 

Marsh  Blackbirds, 

350 

Connecticut  Warbler, 

147 

Maryland  Yellow-throat, 

152 

INDEX. 


399 


Meadow  Lark, 
Mocking  Bird, 
Mocking  Thrushes, 

Wren, 
Mourning  Warbler, 

N 


Nuthatches, 


o 


Orange-throated  Warbler, 
Orchard  Oriole, 
Orioles, 
Oven-bird, 

P 

Philadelphia  Greenlet, 
Pine  Grosbeak, 
Finch, 
Warbler, 
Prairie  Warbler, 
Purple  Finch, 
Grakle, 
Martin, 

R 

Ked-bellied  Nuthatch, 

Redbird, 

Red-eyed  Vireo, 

Ped  Poll  Warbler, 

Redstart, 

Red- winged  Blackbird, 

Reed-bird, 

Robin, 

Rose-breasted  Grosbeak, 

Rough-winged  Swallow, 

Ruby-crowned  Kinglet, 

Rusty  Blackbird, 

s 

Sand  Martin, 
Savannah  Sparrow, 


364 

Scarlet  Tanager, 

177 

26 

Shrikes, 

233 

26 

Snowbird, 

291 

74 

Snow  Bunting, 

268 

157 

Song  Sparrow, 

284 

Stone-chat, 

42 

65 

Swamp  Sparrow, 

281 

T 

112 

Tauagers, 

177 

368 

Tawny  Thrush, 

23 

368 

Thrushes, 

3 

138 

Titmice, 

57 

Towhee  Bunting, 

345 

Townsend's  Bunting, 

331 

218 
242 
257 

Tree  Sparrow, 

V 

296 

135 

Vireos, 

211 

129 

w 

244 

Warblers, 

91 

387 

Warbling  Vireo, 

218 

199 

Water  Thrush 

142 

Wagtail, 

142 

69 

Waxwings, 

205 

340 

White-bellied  Swallow, 

188 

211 

White-crowned  Sparrow, 

311 

132 
172 

White-eyed  Vireo, 
White-throated  Sparrow, 

229 

308 

359 

OK-| 

White-winded  Crossbill, 
Wilson's  Thrush, 

247 
23 

001 

Winter  Wren, 

81 

4 

001 

Wood  Robin, 

13 

331 
1Qfi 

Worm-eating  Warblers, 

97 

J.  t/O 

Wrens, 

73 

51 
383 

Y 

Yellow-breasted  Chut, 

160 

Yellow-ramped  Warbler, 

109 

194 

Yellow-throated  Vireo, 

221 

271       Yellow-winged  Bunting, 

276 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


